The Ministry of Health released the following information on 8 February 2022 stating that nine patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant BA.5 and five patients with BA.2 (including two with XBB.1) are returnees from foreign countries and the other three patients with BA.2 were local transmissions.
Released Information
1. The Ministry of Health is continuously conducting “COVID-19 Molecular Disease Surveillance”, and releasing information on the detection of COVID-19 cases including SARS CoV-2 Omicron Variant by testing laboratory samples from those who return by commercial flights and relief flights, and via land borders as well as local confirmed cases in a real-time manner.
2. In this regard, the 17 laboratory samples of the COVID-19 virus of positive cases which are suspected to be COVID-19 variants to the Department of Medical Research and the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant BA.5 and its variants were found in nine laboratory samples and BA.2 in eight laboratory samples on 6 February 2023. The laboratory samples that tested BA.2 contain two variants that detected XBB.1 subvariants.
3. Nine patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant BA.5 and five patients with BA.2 (including two with XBB.1) are returnees from foreign countries and the other three patients with BA.2 were local transmissions. They all were in complete isolation since they tested positive for COVID-19, and are in good condition at present.
4. According to the findings of international countries, Omicron variants cause less severe illness and fewer deaths among those who are fully vaccinated.
5. Therefore, the Health Ministry is stepping up the COVID-19 Molecular Disease Surveillance measures plus disease prevention, control and treatment activities. Moreover, the people are urged to receive vaccination against COVID-19 and booster dose.
Ministry of Health
Source: Global New Light of Myanmar Newspaper (9-2-2023)
- Nine patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant BA.5 and five patients with BA.2 (including two with XBB.1) are returnees from foreign countries and the other three patients with BA.2 were local transmissions.
- Health Ministry is stepping up the COVID-19 Molecular Disease Surveillance measures plus disease prevention, control and treatment activities.