Thailand Detects Highly Transmissible Covid-19 Sub-Variant FU.1, 50% More Transmissible than XBB.1.16

(CTN News) – The Centre for Medical Genomics in Thailand reported a case of the “FU.1” or XBB.1.16.1.1 sub-variant of Covid-19, which is reportedly 50% more contagious than XBB.1.16. Despite a decline in worldwide Covid cases, the Omicron variant continues to change into new sub-variants.

Omicron Sub-Variants XBB.1.16 and XBB.1.9.1 Dominant Worldwide, Including in Thailand

XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, and XBB.1.9.1 are the most common Omicron variations. Ramathibodi Hospital’s Centre for Medical Genomics found that XBB.1.16 and XBB.1.9.1 are now the most common types of hepatitis B virus in both Singapore and Thai.

Between April 15 and May 15, the center evaluated genetic codes from Thai Covid patients using the global genomic database Gisaid.

The findings revealed that among Omicron instances in Thailand, XBB accounted for 93.5%, with XBB accounting for 19%. The scores were 1.16, 10% XBB.1.5, and 8.4% XBB.1.9.1.

In total, 9,003 Covid instances were infected with XBB.1.16, with 139 in Thai. The XBB.1.16.1 sub-lineage was identified in 2,714 cases globally, including 26 in Thailand. According to Bangkok Post, XBB.1.16.2 was found in 666 cases worldwide, including 25 in Thailand.

There were 175 confirmed cases of XBB.1.16.3 worldwide, including five in Thailand.

122 persons worldwide have contracted the FU.1 sub-variant, which is more common in Shanghai. 149 cases worldwide have been traced back to the FU.2 strain.

Only one case of FU.1 and no instances of FU.2 have been reported in Thailand. The facility claims FU.1 is 50% more contagious than XBB.1.16.

The center believes that XBB.1.9.1 and FL, two sub-lineages of the Omicron clade, will spread and eventually become the most common.

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