Thailand Goes on the Defensive Over Omicron Sub-Variant XBB.1.16.

Thailand is once again on the defensive against COVID-19 after laboratory testing revealed the presence of the new, more contagious Omicron XBB.1.16 sub variant of the coronavirus

As of April 17, Dr Supakit Sirilak, director-general of the Medical Sciences Department, reported 27 cases of XBB.1.16 in Thailand, one of whom had died. According to him, the number of daily Covid-19 cases is anticipated to reach 5,000-10,000 during a new wave, but it will likely reduce fast after that.

According to Dr. Supakit, the number of people infected with the Omicron XBB.1.16 subvariant has increased, yet many of them have modest symptoms. The reported severe health effects were most likely prompted by pre-existing medical issues.

“During a new wave, daily cases are estimated to be between 5,000 and 10,000 patients.” In comparison to last year, the figure is comparatively low. In addition, instances are projected to fall in the next weeks’, he stated.

Dr. Supakit also stated that it is natural for the virus to spread during high-contact holidays such as Songkran, but not in sufficient quantities to harm society and the economy.

Long-acting antibody (LAAB) therapy and other Covid-19 antiviral medications, according to him, may not be necessary for everyone.

“Favipiravir has been proven to be futile through global use since the end of the Delta variant,” he stated.

According to Dr. Supakit, most people have developed immunity and booster shot treatments should only be administered to people in vulnerable groups.

WHO issues statement over Omicron XBB.1.16.

On March 28, the World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (Sage) issued an update stating that booster doses are advised for “those still at risk of severe disease, primarily older adults and those with underlying conditions.”

Seniors, persons with underlying diseases, children 6 months and older, pregnant women, and front-line health workers are all high-risk categories.

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry stated on Wednesday that beginning May 1, citizens will receive both influenza and Covid-19 booster shots at the same time. Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, permanent secretary of the Public Health Ministry, stated that the immunizations will be given to everyone for free in state-run facilities.

He urged the elderly and those with pre-existing diseases to get both immunizations as soon as possible. For individuals with minor symptoms, the government encourages people to use medical consultation applications.

Arcturus, also known as XBB.1.16, is a su-bvariant of the Omicron bug that swept the world last year. The World Health Organisation (WHO) designated XBB.1.16 as a variation under monitoring (VUM) on March 22.

XBB.1.16 was discovered in January and has already spread to dozens of nations. In the United States, for example, XBB.1.16 was recently predicted to account for 7.2% of new COVID-19 infections.

In India, many patients have acquired conjunctivitis or itchy pink-eye, a symptom that was absent in prior COVID-19 waves.

According to health officials, despite the fact that XBB.1.16 is highly transmissible, it does not appear to induce more hazardous symptoms based on hospitalisation and mortality rates.

Should we be concerned over Omicron XBB.1.16.

Prof. Wasun Chantratita, director of the Centre for Medical Genomics at Mahidol University, highlighted XBB.1.16 as the most concerning COVID-19 subvariant due to its high transmissibility.

“It is 200% more transmissible than BN1.3 and 89% more transmissible than XBB.1.5.” “These sub-variants have now become dominant in Thailand,” he explained.

Prof. Dr. Yong Poovorawan, director of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine, believes XBB.1.16 will certainly become Thailand’s dominant sub-variant in the near future.

He claims that all XBB strains appear to be immune to vaccinations and past infections. This indicates that those who have already been infected with COVID-19 can become infected again with XBB.1.16.

The Disease Control Department’s deputy director-general, Dr Sopon Iamsirithaworn, is asking people not to panic. His advise is to remain vigilant and obtain a booster shot.

“If your last shot was more than four months ago, you should get a booster now,” he advised.

The government is still providing free COVID-19 vaccinations at many places, and the majority of Thais have received a vaccine shot. However, because vaccine protection wears off over time, supplemental doses have been made available.

Thailand’s COVID-19 crisis

Before the introduction of XBB.1.16, life in Thailand was quickly returning to normal. The best evidence came during the Songkran event in mid-April, when hundreds of maskless revellers splashed water about with enthusiasm. The rowdy Songkran revelry returned in full form after three years of epidemic restrictions.

However, COVID-19 has resurfaced, and the Public Health Ministry is alerting people to be on the lookout for another round of illnesses.

Between April 9 and 15, 435 individuals were hospitalised with the virus, a 2.5-fold increase from the previous week.

Dr. Yong recently warned Thais to brace themselves for another wave of illnesses.

“The number of new COVID-19 cases will begin to rise in mid-May, peak in June, and then begin to fall in September – a common cycle for respiratory diseases,” he explained.

He also stated that respiratory diseases will spread more rapidly after children return to school and the rainy season begins.

“However, people can protect themselves by following the same precautions as before, such as washing their hands frequently and getting a booster shot,” he said. “Those who are feeling ill should always wear a mask.”