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GMA Network
a day ago
- Health
- GMA Network
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
GMA Network
28-05-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
Iloilo City logs 1st mpox case; 4 others under observation
An undated colorized transmission electron micrograph of mpox virus particles (pink) found within an infected cell (yellow). Handout via REUTERS The Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) on Tuesday confirmed its first case of monkeypox (mpox), with four additional suspected cases currently under close observation. CHO head Dr. Mary Ann Diaz said that all five individuals are now in isolation and they are in stable condition. 'Since we now have one confirmed case, it is important to observe proper hygiene, wash hands frequently with soap, and use alcohol-based sanitizers,' Dr. Diaz said. Dr. Diaz also advised the public to avoid crowded places to minimize skin-to-skin contact and to seek early medical consultation and self-isolate if symptoms appear. Mpox, a viral disease similar to smallpox but generally less severe, is characterized by symptoms such as fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, low energy, and distinct skin rashes. According to the CHO, contact tracing is ongoing to determine possible exposures and ensure timely intervention. Specimens from suspected and probable cases are being processed in coordination with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). Dr. Diaz, meanwhile, emphasized that the confirmed case had no recent travel history, and there is currently no evidence of widespread community transmission. Case monitoring In an official statement issued on the same day, the City Government of Iloilo, through Mayor Jerry P. Treñas' spokesperson Joy F. Fantilaga-Gorzal, assured the public that the local government is taking swift and coordinated action. 'The City Health Office is on top of the situation,' Fantilaga-Gorzal said. "The CHO is working round the clock in coordination with national health agencies and the RITM to carry out specimen collection, laboratory testing, and case monitoring.' The mayor also directed all concerned departments to fully support the CHO's efforts. 'The City Government continues to implement proactive public health measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all Ilonggos,' the statement read. Authorities urged the public to remain calm, follow health advisories, and cooperate with ongoing containment efforts. The CHO is expected to release official advisories in the coming days to guide residents on preventive measures and proper responses to symptoms. —Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News
