PH records first case of Omicron subvariant FE.1

The Philippines has recorded its first case of the Omicron subvariant FE.1, a sublineage of XBB, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

This subvariant, also identified as XBB.1.18.1.1, has been found in 35 countries globally across six continents.

Meanwhile, 80 additional cases of various Omicron subvariants were detected in the Philippines, with 54 cases classified as Omicron XBB subvariant found in Western Visayas.

These included 22 cases of XBB.1.16 and nine XBB.1.5, which are considered variants of interest by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Additionally, 25 cases of BA.2.3.20 were detected, with most from Western Visayas and some from the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Current evidence does not indicate that FE.1 or other newly detected subvariants cause more severe disease or different clinical manifestations compared to the original Omicron variant.

Researchers are actively studying these subvariants to understand their transmissibility, immune evasion capabilities, and potential to cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations.