DOH investigates first local Lambda case

The Department of Health (DOH) is investigating the first case of the Lambda coronavirus variant in the Philippines, a 35-year-old asymptomatic woman from Negros Occidental.

Despite having no travel history, the patient tested positive for the Lambda variant on July 22 and has since recovered. Her latest retests were negative.

The DOH is conducting active contact tracing to determine other possible cases of the variant in the country and identify its source.

OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David stated that while the Lambda variant is a cause for concern, it is not yet considered a primary threat compared to the Delta variant, which remains the main concern in the Philippines.