DOH: Close contacts of first Omicron BA.4 case in PH are vaccinated, asymptomatic

MANILA, Philippines — The three identified close contacts of the Philippines’ first case of the Omicron subvariant BA.4 are asymptomatic and fully vaccinated, Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau Director Dr. Alethea De Guzman said on Tuesday.

According to the DOH, the patient — an unvaccinated returning overseas Filipino with a travel history in Qatar, Brazil, and South Africa — has recovered and finished mandatory isolation from May 4 to 18 before reintegrating with three households contacts.

READ: DOH detects Omicron BA.4 subvariant in PH

According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, BA.4, one of the latest Omicron sublineages to enter the country, has been tagged as a “variant of concern”.

“Wala pang patunay na ang variant na ito ay nakapagdudulot ng mas malalang sintomas. Ang mga maagang pag-detect natin sa variant na ‘to ay bunga ng ating heightened surveillance, detection, at sequencing efforts,” De Guzman said.

(There is no evidence that proves the variant’s ability to cause more serious symptoms. Early detection of the variant can be credited to the department’s heightened surveillance, detection, and sequencing efforts.)

DOH stressed anew that increased protection against the emerging COVID-19 variants may be ensured by adhering to the minimum public health standards and availing of the primary and booster doses of the vaccine.

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