The Ministry of Health recently reported eight confirmed cases of the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16 in Myanmar, amidst the ongoing wave of COVID-19 infections in the country.
Of the 8 individuals who contracted the COVID genetic mutation, one had recently returned from abroad while the other 7 were infected in Myanmar. As of May 3, the Ministry of Health reported 155 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Myanmar.
The Ministry of Health has issued a warning stating that the XBB.1.16 subvariant of the Omicron virus is spreading rapidly.
A Ministry of Health official stated,” "The current infection rate from the new variant is approximately 20 times higher than the previous one, and WHO anticipates a much higher death rate. Therefore the most crucial preventive measure is to wear a mask, and consistently practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands for at least 20 seconds after touching any object or surface," said an official from the Ministry of Health.
The new genetic mutation of COVID-19 can also be found in individuals who have already been vaccinated against the disease. The Ministry of Health is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated, as it can still help reduce the severity of the disease.
The health department in Rakhine State is providing vaccinations to individuals who have not yet received them based on their township/ward. However despite these efforts, some individuals are still not taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
"If you visit the market, you'll notice advertisements urging people to get vaccinated against Covid-19. Unfortunately people seem to have lost interest in vaccination. and are no longer taking it seriously. There's a lack of compliance with mask-wearing and other preventive measures," said Ma Aye Moe Wai from Min Gan Ward, Sittwe Township.
The Omicron sub-variants of COVID-19 are rapidly spreading in some countries and neighboring regions, leading to a resurgence of cases. In response the Ministry of Health has urged the people of Myanmar to take all precautions.
