By Joseph B.A. Marzan
The Department of Health-Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-WV CHD) on Tuesday confirmed 42 cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) identified as three “more contagious” variants of the virus.
In a press statement, DOH-WV CHD reported the detection of 15 Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant cases, 23 Beta (B.1.351) variant cases, and 4 Theta (P.3) variant cases.
The report was based on the results of the Whole Genome Sequencing conducted by the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) at the University of the Philippines-Diliman in Quezon City.
Almost half of the Alpha variant cases were from Antique (7), Iloilo City (4), Iloilo province (2), and Capiz and Negros Occidental (1 each).
Iloilo province comprised more than half of Beta variant cases (16), followed by Iloilo City and Capiz (2 each), and Aklan, Antique, and Negros Occidental (1 each).
For the Theta variant, one case was detected each in Iloilo City, Iloilo province, Guimaras, and Bacolod City.
The Western Visayas Medical Center-Sub-National Laboratory (WVMC-SNL) in Iloilo City reported that 346 COVID-19 swab test samples have been sent to PGC Diliman for variant detection as of July 30.
The Alpha and Beta variants, which were first detected in the United Kingdom and South Africa, respectively, were tagged as variants of concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) earlier this year due to increased risk of transmission.
Meanwhile, the Theta variant, first detected in cases here in the Philippines, was tagged by the WHO as a variant under “alert for further monitoring” according to the DOH-WV CHD, because of its decreased and sporadic detection.
As of this writing, the DOH-WV CHD is still profiling the cases to determine their current condition, including their COVID-19 vaccination status, in cooperation with their health office counterparts in the local government units.
Contact tracing will be conducted up to the third generation of contacts, as well as back tracing to determine the possible source of infections.
The DOH regional office also reminded the public to continue adherence to the minimum public health standards, including wearing of face masks and face shields, observance of physical distancing, and washing of hands.
Vaccination against COVID-19 is also highly encouraged when available to add a layer of protection.
