News
27 Cases of Omicron XBB.1.16 Sub-Variant Detected in Thailand During Songkran Holidays
(CTN News) – According to the most recent data released on April 17th, there have been 27 confirmed cases of infection with the Omicron XBB.1.16 sub-variant in Thailand;
however, Dr. Supakit Sirilak, director-general of Thailand’s Medical Sciences Department, has stated that there is no evidence to suggest that this sub-variant is as dangerous as the Delta variant, which was prevalent in the country for about two years before the Omicron variant.
Omicron XBB.1.16 and XBB.1.9.1 Infections Increasing in Thailand
He stated it would take at least two more weeks to assess whether the XBB.1.16 sub-variant can spread faster than XBB.1.5, despite lab data showing that the XBB.1.16 sub-variant spreads marginally quicker than XBB.1.5.
According to Dr. Supakit, who disagrees that XBB.1.16 is as powerful as the Delta variant, the most common signs of infection with this sub-variant include a cough, fever, and sore throat, with some patients also suffering from eye infection or discomfort.
According to him, XBB.1.16 and XBB.1.9.1 infections are rising in Thailand, while BA.1.75 infections, the former dominant sub-variant, have been falling consistently.
About five days after infection, rapid antigen test kits can still be used to detect XBB.1.16, he said, adding that testing on the first day of suspected infection may provide a negative result due to a lack of detectable virus load in the body.
Public Advised to Get Vaccinated and Take Precautions Against COVID-19
While Dr. Supakit noted that XBB.1.5 still accounts for nearly half (47.9%) of all new COVID-19 infections worldwide, he also noted that XBB1.16 infections, which currently account for 4% of all new infections, are steadily increasing in many parts of the world, including India and the United States.
Dr. Supakit urged the public to be vaccinated, wear face masks, and avoid risky activities since the percentage increase is more relevant than the number of infections. This is because the more cases tested, the bigger the number of positive cases.
Related CTN News:
