STEPPED-UP genomic biosurveillance activities account for the rising number of Covid-19 variants being detected in the country, the Department of Health said Thursday.
The DOH explained that more variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VUIs) are being detected in the country due to the increased efforts to have samples from Covid-positive persons undergo genomic sequencing.
DOH said it is also doing purposive sampling to ensure a higher likelihood of detecting the variant, which means that more samples are taken from areas, clusters, and groups of people that are likely to have these VOCs/VUIs.
“Hence, there is a disproportionately higher number of samples being sequenced from areas with reported clustering, increased severe and critical cases, and a bigger presence of returning overseas Filipinos,” the DOH added.
The DOH reiterated also that the practical purpose of the genomic biosurveillance is to determine the presence of VOCs and VUIs to monitor their spread, and determine the correlation of the presence of these variants to observed case clusters and spikes, increased severity or fatality, and cases of re-infection.
A thorough analysis of these data allows the government to implement more responsive strategies to mitigate the impact of the said variants.
With the strengthened biosurveillance activities, a total of 1,075 B.1.351 variant cases (first detected in South Africa), 948 B.1.1.7 variant cases (first detected in UK), 157 P.3 variant cases (first detected in the Philippines), and 2 P.1 variant cases (first detected in Brazil) have been detected in the country as of May 3.
None of the so-called Indian variant has been reported amid a travel ban imposed on travelers from India, which has seen a staggering increase in infections and deaths in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, the DOH stressed that the detection of the VOCs and VUIs “does not mean that these variants are now the dominant variants in the country”.
It added: “With the increased detection of variants as evidenced by the results of intensified biosurveillance activities, stronger border control measures, stringent adherence to quarantine protocols for all incoming international travelers, and effectively implementing Prevent-Detect-Isolate-Treat-Reintegrate response strategies at the national and local levels are of absolute importance in preventing the local spread of these variants.”
Likewise, the DOH also said protective measures, like strict compliance with minimum public health standards across all settings and getting vaccinated, remain effective in preventing Covid-19 infection.
5, not 6 positives
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday clarified that of the 149 passengers with travel history from India, only five travelers tested positive for Covid-19 and not six, as reported earlier by its official.
This, as the DOH also announced that beginning May 7, the country will also ban passengers coming from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka or those who have been to these countries within 14 days before their travel to the Philippines.
Of the passengers from India who were quarantined prior to the travel ban, 137 tested negative.
The passengers have travel history from India from April 1 to 30; 129 are Returning Overseas Filipinos (FORs) and 20 foreign nationals. All were quarantined upon arrival and tested on the 6th or 7th day.
Among the five who tested positive, four are Filipinos. The DOH said one is still in isolation while the disposition of the four patients are being verified.
The DOH said samples from these positive cases are currently being determined if they are adequate for sequencing at the Philippine Genome Center.