- Six (6) confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from the Province of Dinagat Islands have tested positive for the B.1.351 variant, commonly known as the South African variant, of COVID-19.
- Their samples were sent to the University of the Philippines- Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC) last April 2021. The UP-PGC is currently the only laboratory in the Philippines capable of conducting genomic sequencing to detect variants of COVID-19.
- Their results were released by the UP-PGC last 11 May 2021 and forwarded to us by the Department of Health (DOH) last 18 May 2021
About the Province’s Cases of the B.1.351 Variant:
Case History:
- These 6 cases of the B.1.351 variant are all currently residing in San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands:
- 2 from Brgy. Aurelio
- 2 from Brgy. Cuarinta
- 1 from Brgy. San Juan
- 1 from Brgy. Sta. Cruz
- All 6 cases were swabbed last 13-14 April 2021 after exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, and their samples sent to the Butuan Medical Center for confirmatory testing using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay.
- The results indicating that they were positive for COVID-19 were released last 23 April 2021.
- 5 exhibited mild symptoms at the time of diagnosis and were admitted to the Provincial Care and Containment Center (PCCC) for isolation and monitoring.
- 1 exhibited moderate symptoms and was initially referred to the Dinagat District Hospital (DDH) for appropriate treatment and management. They were discharged from the DDH and admitted to the PCCC once their condition improved.
- All 6 cases underwent the mandatory 10-day isolation and monitoring period at the PCCC.
- All 6 cases have been declared clinically recovered: they have been cleared by a physician after having no symptoms of COVID-19 and being in good condition for 10 days at the PCCC.
- As per DOH guidelines, as with all cases of COVID-19, there is no need for repeat RT-PCR testing upon discharge, provided that the patients in question have been assessed by a physician prior to discharge.
Exposure History
- 1 case of the B.1.351 variant traveled to the province from Metro Manila. They entered quarantine upon arrival in the province.
- 5 cases were infected locally.
à These cases were either workplace or household contacts of other confirmed cases from San Jose.
à Since not all specimens are sent for genomic sequencing, it is unknown at the time if the confirmed cases they came into contact with were also infected with the B.1.351 variant.
- Local transmission of the B.1.351 variant has occurred in the Province of Dinagat Islands.
About the B.1.351 Variant
- The B.1.351 variant of COVID-19 was initially detected in South Africa in December 2020. It is more commonly known as the South African variant of COVID-19. The B.1.351 variant was first detected in the Philippines in March 2021.
- The B.1.351 variant is considered one of COVID-19’s variants of concern, meaning it has acquired mutations that make it more infectious, and that its spread throughout a population is more likely to result in increased morbidity and mortality, as well as a more severe impact on the health care system. This variant has been noted to be:
- more prevalent in younger people with no comorbidities (no other illnesses)
- more likely to result in severe symptoms of COVID-19, especially in younger people
- more easily passed from one person to another
-  less likely to be neutralized by antibodies (less affected by the body’s own immune response; people who have been infected by COVID-19 before are still susceptible to being infected by this variant of COVID-19).
We urge the public to adhere to our health protocols:
- wear face masks properly when leaving the house
- avoid leaving the house for unnecessary transactions
- minimize interactions with people
- avoid gatherings with more than 10 people or gatherings of people from different households
- seek consultation at your Rural Health Unit if you feel sick
- quarantine and submit to testing once you have been identified as a contact of a COVID-19 suspect or confirmed case, even if you feel well
- get vaccinated once the vaccine has been made available to you.
Both the original strain of COVID-19 and the B.1.351 variant are infectious, easily passed from one person to another even when the infected person does not have symptoms, and put the vulnerable members of our community- especially our senior citizens and people with comorbidities/other illnesses- at risk of severe illness or death. Please do your part in keeping our communities safe.
(Source: Dinagat Islands Provincial Information Office Facebook page)