WHO names P.3 variant first detected in PH as Theta

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially named the P.3 variant of COVID-19, which was first detected in the Philippines, as 'Theta'.

This naming convention uses Greek alphabets for variants of concern (VOC) and variants of interest (VOI).

The P.3 variant was initially identified in the Philippines in January 2021 and is currently classified as a variant of interest.

A variant of interest is characterized by causing transmission, multiple COVID-19 cases or clusters, or detection in multiple countries.

Variants of concern, on the other hand, are identified by increased transmissibility, virulence, or a decrease in the effectiveness of public health measures and medical interventions.

The WHO's adoption of this new naming system follows India's objection to media reports referring to a COVID-19 mutant as the 'Indian variant'.

The current four variants of concern in circulation are Alpha (UK/B.1.1.7), Beta (South Africa/B.1.351), Gamma (Brazil/P.1), and Delta (India/B.1.617.2).