‘Hyperion’ subvariants dominate PH COVID cases — Octa

Composie image made by JEROME CRISTOBAL from REUTERS/INQUIRER stock photos

MANILA, Philippines — The ‘Hyperion’ or ‘XBB’ cases account for 83% of all subvariants in the Philippines, according to Octa Research fellow Guido David on Monday.

He made the observation after the DOH released a bio-surveillance report that detailed COVID-19 data sequencing from May 29 to June 12.

“Biosurveillance report by DOH and [Philippine Genome Center] for May 29 to June 12 2023, showed XBB subvariants accounted for 83% of cases sequenced in the Philippines,” said David in a Twitter post.

Among the XBB cases, the type XBB 1.9.1 or the “Hyperion” subvariant was the most prevalent, with 33 percent of cases.

DOH had previously said “XBB.1.9.1” does not show any difference in severity or clinical manifestations from other cases caused by the Omicron variant.

Biosurveillance report by DOH and PGC for May 29 to June 12 2023 showed XBB subvariants accounted for 83% of cases sequenced in the Philippines. Most prevalent were XBB 1.9.1 with 32%, XBB 1.5 with 16%, XBB 1.16 with 9% and XBB 2.3 with 8%. XBB 1.91 was most in NCR at 31%. #Covid pic.twitter.com/CrvftLkvMA

— Dr. Guido David (@iamguidodavid) June 19, 2023

David listed the subvariant percentages for May 29 to June 12 as follows:

BA 2.3.20: 9 percent

XBB 1.5 (Kraken): 16 percent

XBB 1.9.1 (Hyperion): 32 percent

XBB 1.9.2: 4 percent

XBB 1.16 (Arcutures): 9 percent

XBB 2.3 (Acrux): 8 percent

Other XBB: 14 percent

All other variants: 8 percent

Meanwhile, David mentioned lower COVID-19 positivity rates in most Luzon provinces.

However, as of June 17, Palawan and Pangasinan have more cases.

David identified the COVID-19 positivity rates.

Following is the list:

Bataan: 24 percent

Camarines Sur: 23 percent

Isabela: 29 percent

Pampanga: 21 percent

Pangasinan: 21 percent

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