No cases yet of new COVID-19 variant Nimbus in PH
Swab samples for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) tests are pictured in Berlin, Germany September 22, 2020. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke/File Photo
There are no reported cases yet of the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1, also known as 'Nimbus,' in the Philippines, according to Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa on Thursday.
At a Palace press briefing, Herbosa said that while the new variant is being monitored globally—especially in some Southeast Asian countries—the Philippines has yet to detect a single case.
'Wala pa akong nakuhang report but now we will be monitoring that now that's reported,'' Herbosa said.
(I haven't received any report yet, but we will be monitoring now that it has been reported.)
The DOH, through its Epidemiology Bureau, is keeping a close watch on COVID-19 cases in light of the rainy season, which typically coincides with a rise in influenza-like illnesses.
'Itong NB.1.8.1, or 'Nimbus,' ang sinasabi nila, and it was the one causing the drive in countries in Southeast Asia,' Herbosa said.
(This NB.1.8.1, or 'Nimbus,' as they call it, is the one driving the surge in some Southeast Asian countries.)
The 'Nimbus' variant, according to a report by the Associated Press, is said to cause a painful symptom described as 'razor blade throat.'
Herbosa assured the public that existing COVID-19 vaccines still provide protection against this new variant.
'It seems yung vaccines na binigay before are still effective on them. So, if you were vaccinated during the previous COVID pandemic, you are still protected,' he said.
(It seems the vaccines given before are still effective against it. So, if you were vaccinated during the previous COVID pandemic, you are still protected.)
Herbosa noted that there has been no significant increase in local COVID-19 cases but emphasized the importance of surveillance.
'We're monitoring our COVID cases kasi nga season natin ng influenza-like illnesses, and COVID is one of those.'
(We're monitoring our COVID cases because this is the season for influenza-like illnesses, and COVID is one of them.)
The DOH is coordinating with other countries and conducting genome sequencing to detect possible entry of new variants.
''Yan yung importance na nagri-report 'yung ibang countries what their variant is. So, that means magsa-surveillance kami. We will select samples at paggagawa namin sa RITM (Research Institute for Tropical Medicine) 'yung genome sequencing para malaman namin kung 'yung variant na 'yan lumalabas na dito,'' Herbosa said.
(That's why it's important for other countries to report their variants. It means we will begin surveillance. We will select samples and do genome sequencing at RITM to find out if that variant is already present here.)
The DOH has yet to issue any advisory specific to the new variant but urges the public to continue observing precautions, especially during the flu season. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
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