The Department of Health (DOH)  allayed fears of the public amid the presence of Covid-19 subvariant XBB.1.16 in the country, saying that this coronavirus subvariant’s  risk assessment is still low. The DOH made the statement following the detection of a lone case of XBB.1.16 in Western Visayas. This Covid-19 subvariant, also known as “Arcturus,” is a sublineage of the Covid-19 Omicron variant and is currently classified as “variant under monitoring” by the World Health Organization (WHO). Arcturus has been detected in 33 countries or jurisdictions across six continents, the DOH stated in its latest biosurveillance report. “Based on the latest risk assessment by the World Health Organization last April 17, 2023, no changes in severity have been reported in countries where XBB.1.16. are reported to be circulating,” the DOH said in a statement on Wednesday, April 26. “There may have been slight increases in bed occupancy in India and Indonesia, but levels are still much lower compared to the effects of the previous variants. Overall, risk assessment is said to be low,” it added. Initial evidence also suggests that there is not much difference between XBB.1.16 and the Omicron variant, the DOH said. “Currently available evidence for XBB.1.16 does not suggest any differences in disease severity and/or clinical manifestations compared to the original Omicron variant,” the DOH said in its biosurveillance report. The country’s first XBB.1.16 case already recovered from Covid-19, the DOH noted. “The detected XBB.1.16 case in Iloilo Province was asymptomatic and has already recovered,” it said.

Sore eyes as a symptom of Arcturus?

There are circulating reports online that symptoms of  XBB.1.16 subvariant include sore eyes. However, the WHO has yet to issue an official statement about this, the DOH said. “At present, the World Health Organization has yet to confirm symptoms of the Omicron sublineage XBB.1.16 variant such as “sticky eyes” or conjunctivitis,” the DOH said. “In general, Covid-19 exhibits flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, headache, body pain, and diarrhea – among others,” it added. The DOH also noted that “aside from the known flu-like symptoms of Covid-19, other symptoms may vary from case to case and studies are continuously ongoing of what effects the virus may entail. What is important is that cases remain manageable.” “For proper diagnosis of symptoms, consult with your physician or head to the nearest health facility,” it added.

Layers of protection

Practicing the minimum health standards and getting vaccinated and boosted are still the best defense against Covid-19, the DOH reminded the public anew. “The DOH would like to remind the public to continuously adhere to our layers of protection such as wearing masks, isolating when sick, and ensuring good airflow especially when mobile in public places,” it said. “Most importantly, the public is advised to get vaccinated and boosted as vaccination remains to be the most effective and best long-term protection against the Covid-19 virus,” it added.