DOH: BF.7 detection not cause for alarm

The DOH said on Tuesday that the detection of Omicron subvariant BF.7 in the Philippines should not cause alarm but calls for increased vigilance.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire noted that while BF.7 is more transmissible and immune evasive, there is no evidence it causes more severe infections.

Vergeire emphasized the importance of vaccination and adherence to public health standards as the virus continues to mutate.

Public health expert Dr. Tony Leachon expressed concern over the presence of BF.7 in the Philippines, citing China's history of underreporting cases and deaths during the initial outbreak.