38 New Cases of Different Variants Detected in PH, 3 Cases with B.1.1.7 Variant are from Cordillera

Today (Tuesday), March 2, 2021, the Department of Health (DOH), revealed through a press release that thirty (30) additional B.1.1.7 variant (UK variant) cases, six (6) B.1.351 variant (South Africa variant) cases, and two (2) additional cases with mutations of interest have been detected among the 8th batch of 350 samples sequenced by the UP-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC).

The B.1.1.7 Variant/UK Variant Cases

The additional thirty (30) cases detected in the latest genome sequencing batch has brought the total B.1.1.7 variant cases in the country to eighty-seven (87). Here are more details on the said 30 additional cases with B.1.1.7 variant/UK Variant:

• Twenty (20) cases are Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs)
  • Entered the country from the Middle East, Singapore, and the United States of America
    • Between January 20 and February 16, 2021
  • Thirteen (13) are asymptomatic active cases
  • Seven (7) have already recovered
• Three (3) are local cases
• Seven (7) are currently being verified if local cases or ROFs

3 Local B.1.1.7 Variant Cases from Cordillera

Three (3) of the local B.1.1.7 variant cases are from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Here are more details:

• One case is currently active and is admitted to a hospital
• One has recovered
• One is a reported fatality

The B.1.351 Variant/South Africa Variant Cases

There are currently forty-eight (48) countries with reported cases of the B.1.351 variant/South Africa variant.

“While there is no evidence that this variant causes more severe disease, the pattern of mutations within this variant suggests higher transmissibility and may have an impact on vaccine efficacy,” stated the DOH.

Here are the details on the six (6) South African variant cases in the country:

• Three (3) are local cases
  • The cases were reported as residents of Pasay City
  • Samples were collected between January 27 and February 13, 2021
  • Two (2) of the active cases being managed by Pasay City:
    • A 61-year-old female
    • A 39-year-old male
  • The third local case, a 40-year-old male, has already recovered
• Two (2) are ROFs
  • Arrived in the country from UAE and Qatar
  • Statuses are currently being verified
• One (1) case is still being verified as to location
  • Currently being verified whether a local case or an ROF

The Cases with Mutations of Interest

Two (2) additional samples from Region 7 were found to have both N501Y and E484K mutations.

“Upon further verification, two (2) cases from Region 7 previously reported to have these mutations have been delisted, thus the total remains at 34 cases,” said the DOH.

The DOH Press Release

Related Articles:

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Source: DOH| Press Release, Philippine News Agency(PNA)