DOH detects 2 BA.5 Omicron sub-variant cases in PH

MANILA, Philippines — The COVID-19 Omicron sub variant BA.5 has been detected in the country, Department of Health (DOH) spokesperson Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire announced on Friday.

In an online press briefing, Vergeire said two individuals “from the same household” in Central Luzon tested positive for the BA.5 variant. 

“Both individuals manifested colds and cough as symptoms; they are now asymptomatic and tagged as recovered,” Vergeire said.

Both individuals, who are fully vaccinated with booster shots, have unknown exposure since they did not have travel history outside the country, according to Vergeire. 

“At present, their exposure to the virus is unknown because aside from going to election precincts and their office in the National Capital Region, the two individuals have no travel history,” Vergeire also said, partly in Filipino. 

The DOH spokesperson said that two of the household members who are identified as close contacts are undergoing isolation.

One of them tested positive for COVID-19. However, it was not determined if the COVID-19 positive close contact was infected with the BA.5 variant since the samples of the said patient did not undergo genome sequencing.

The health department said that aside from BA.5, Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.2.12.1. have also been detected in the country.

Independent pandemic monitor OCTA Research previously said that the new sub-variants may cause another surge in COVID-19 cases once they enter the country, but it would not be as high as the cases recorded in January due to the Omicron variant.

As of Thursday, the Philippines has recorded 3,690,889 cases, including 2,334 active cases, 3,628,100 recoveries, and 60,455 deaths, according to the DOH tracker.

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