By Christian Dee
MANILA, Philippines – A new Omicron subvariant has already entered the Philippines as the first XBB.1.16 detected from a patient in Iloilo province, according to report his Thursday, April 26.
Department of Health (DOH) said that the patient was asymptomatic and has already recovered from the virus.
The DOH also clarified that the World Health Organization “has yet to confirm symptoms of the Omicron sublineage XBB.1.16 variant such as sticky eyes or conjuctivitis.”
“Aside from the known flu-like symptoms of COVID-19, other symptoms may vary from case to case and studies are continuously ongoing of what effects the virus may entail. What is important is that cases remain manageable,” DOH said.
The agency also asked the public to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis in case they have symptoms and to help preventing the spread COVID-19.
The DOH reminded to “continue observing proper sanitation, masking, distancing, and good ventilation.”