DOH reports first XBF case, no evidence of severe infections

The Department of Health (DOH) reported the first case of Omicron subvariant XBF in the Philippines on February 15, which is a Filipino senior citizen with no travel history and mild symptoms.

Health authorities stated there is currently no evidence that XBF causes more severe infections compared to other Omicron variants.

The DOH emphasized the importance of monitoring hospital capacity rates and maintaining high vaccination and boosting rates.

XBF is classified as an Omicron subvariant under monitoring by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its increasing prevalence in Australia and Sweden.