MANILA — The “Hyperion” or “XBB” cases account for 83% of all subvariants in the Philippines, according to Octa Research fellow Guido David on Monday.
He made the observation after the DOH released a bio-surveillance report that detailed COVID-19 data sequencing from May 29 to June 12.
“Biosurveillance report by DOH and [Philippine Genome Center] for May 29 to June 12 2023, showed XBB subvariants accounted for 83% of cases sequenced in the Philippines,” said David in a Twitter post.
Among the XBB cases, the type XBB 1.9.1 or the “Hyperion” subvariant was the most prevalent, with 33 percent of cases.
DOH had previously said “XBB.1.9.1” does not show any difference in severity or clinical manifestations from other cases caused by the Omicron variant.
David listed the subvariant percentages for May 29 to June 12 as follows:
* BA 2.3.20 – 9 percent
* XBB 1.5 (Kraken) – 16 percent
* XBB 1.9.1 (Hyperion) – 32 percent
* XBB 1.9.2 – 4 percent
* XBB 1.16 (Arcutures) – 9 percent
* XBB 2.3 (Acrux) – 8 percent
* Other XBB – 14 percent
* All other variants – 8 percent
Meanwhile, David mentioned lower COVID-19 positivity rates in most Luzon provinces.
However, as of June 17, Palawan and Pangasinan have more cases.
David identified the COVID-19 positivity rates.
Following is the list:
* Bataan – 24 percent
* Camarines Sur – 23 percent
* Isabela – 29 percent
* Pampanga – 21 percent
* Pangasinan – 21 percent (Jean Mangaluz © Philippine Daily Inquirer)