BA.2.75 found in 75.9% of new infections in Thailand

Omicron subvariant BA.2.75 accounted for 75.9% of new COVID-19 cases logged in Thailand from November 26-December 2, from 58.9% in the previous week, according to new data released by the Department of Medical Sciences (DMS).

DMS Director General Dr Supakit Sirilak said BA.2.75 was found in 75.4% of new domestic infections, rising from 60.1% in the previous week, when it overtook BA.5 as the dominant subvariant.

Genome sequencing on samples from new cases in Thailand last week found that 856 were caused by the BA.2.75 strain.

Additionally, the XBB strain spreading in Singapore was found in 30 samples, while the BQ.1 subvariant affecting the America and Europe accounted for 13 cases tested. The DMS found only one case of XBC or Deltacron, a hybrid of Delta and Omicron found recently in the Philippines.

Supakit warned that those who had recovered from infections by previous strains could be reinfected by the newly dominant BA.2.75. However, there is no evidence it causes more severe symptoms than other strains, he added.

Current vaccines are still effective and can reduce the chance of infection and prevent severe symptoms, he said./.

VNA