A sub-variant of Omicron that's driving infections in the U.S. has been detected for the first time in the Philippines, the Department of Health said Wednesday.
While mutations of the omicron sublineages are linked with higher transmissibility, scientists have yet to determine if the new subvariant can cause more severe diseases, the DOH said.
The omicron sub-variant BA.2.12 was detected in a 52-year-old Finnish female who arrived from Finland last April 2, the DOH said. The foreigner, who was fully vaccinated and asymptomatic upon arrival, was not required to undergo isolation at a quarantine facility.
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During her stay, she visited a university in Quezon City then went to Baguio for seminars. Nine days after her arrival, she experienced mild symptoms. She tested positive for the coronavirus the next day, the DOH said.
Nine of her close contacts were identified, two of them tested negative.
The foreigner finished her seven-day isolation and has recovered from COVID-19. She returned to Finland on April 21, DOH said.
While mutations of the omicron sublineages are linked with higher transmissibility, scientists have yet to determine if the new subvariant can cause more severe diseases, the DOH said.