DOH CLOSELY MONITORING COVID NIMBUS VARIANT

WHILE no case has been reported in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1, which has reportedly been spreading in several parts of the world, including Asia.

In a press briefing at Malacañang on Thursday, Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa confirmed that there are no reported cases of the variant in the country so far.

However, Herbosa said the DOH remains vigilant especially with the onset of the flu season.

“Wala naman tayong increase pa rin dito. We are monitoring our COVID cases kasi nga season natin ng influenza-like illnesses, and COVID is one of those influenza-like illnesses. Mino-monitor po ng ating Epidemiology Bureau itong cases na ito,” Herbosa said.

The Nimbus variant, identified as an Omicron sub-lineage, was first detected in Asia in January and has been associated with recent case surges in some Southeast Asian countries.

Despite its emergence, Herbosa assured the public that existing COVID-19 vaccines continue to offer protection against the new variant.

“It seems ‘yung vaccines na ibinigay before are still effective on them. So if you were vaccinated during the previous COVID pandemic, you are still protected,” said the DOH head.

When asked about reports of a distinct symptom described as a “razor blade throat” linked to the Nimbus variant, Herbosa stressed the importance of global cooperation in tracking and reporting new symptoms and developments about the new COVID variant.

“We will be monitoring that now that it’s reported. Iyan ‘yung importance na nagre-report ‘yung ibang countries what their variant is,” Herbosa said.

“So that means magsu-surveillance kami, we will select samples, at pagagawa namin sa RITM (Research Institute for Tropical Medicine) ‘yung genome sequencing para malaman namin kung ‘yung variant na ‘yan ay lumalabas na dito,” he  added.

The DOH continues to encourage the public to stay informed about health advisories and to practice standard health precautions at all times to prevent diseases.