The PGC detected COVID-19 “variant of concern” in Cebu City, according to DOH7.
The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) had detected COVID-19 “variant of concern” in Cebu City, according to the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH7).
This, as the epidemiology head of DOH7 called the COVID-19 variant under investigation “homegrown”.
In a press conference, Department of Health Central Visayas spokesperson and chief pathologist Dr. Mary Jean Loreche said that the Philippine Genome Center had detected two COVID-19 “mutations” in samples in Cebu City — identified as E484K and N501Y.
According to Loreche, 74% — or 37 out of 50 — of the samples had the “mutations of concern”. Loreche added that 58% — or 29 out of 50 — of the samples had “co-occurrence” where both of the mutations were present.
READ ALSO: DOH Confirms Detection Of 2 Mutations Of SARS-CoV-2 In Central Visayas
“Variant of concern”, as defined on Rappler, means that researchers haven’t yet identified the exact origin of the said variant or its difference in terms of intensity and transmission compared to foreign variants.
Dr. Junjie Zuasola, the head of the regional health department’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, called the said variant “homegrown”.
“Whether it is virulent, we still need to study some more. One thing is for sure, this could be one of the major reason why there was a second spike. Be that as they may, the regional epidemiology and surveillance office is doing whatever they can in their capacity to coordinate with local government units to stamp the spread of this virus,” Dr. Zuasola said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health released a statement confirming the detection of two mutations of SARS-CoV-2 in Central Visayas.
According to the Department of Health, those classified as “variant of concern” had reported clinical significance — such as the increased transmissibility of the B117 variant (also known as the UK COVID-19 variant).
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