Director-General of the Department of Science pointed out that COVID XBB.1.16 just spreads fast but not as strong as Delta. Not long ago, XBB.1.5 confirmed that ATK can be used to detect infection as usual Because it's a virus protein test. Clinical symptoms, red eyes, itchy eyes are not an indication of COVID-19. because only found in India Ready to clarify that all vaccines still protect, even if their efficacy decreases.
Dr. Suphakit Sirilak, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences Said to update the strain of the COVID-19 virus that now the strain of the outbreak of COVID-19 Found in the XBB family, which is a combination of two strains of the virus. but also in the Omicron family by species found in Thailand It is like a species that plagues the world. The proportion found was XBB.1.5 to 47.9%, XBB.1.16 was found 7.6% and XBB.1.9.1 was found 4%. Currently, there is an increasing trend of XBB.1.16 and it is expected that it will overtake XBB.1.5, which is currently in Thailand. XBB.1.5 was found to be 27.5%, XBB.1.16 was 10% and XBB.1.9.1 was 15%. However, further surveillance is required. Since the discovery of XBB.1.16, 27 patients were found, of which 22 were found in March and April, 5 were found, and one person died, a foreigner, 85 years old, with comorbidities.
Dr. Supakit said that following the subspecies XBB.1.16, it was found that the location of the mutation on the spiny protein was the same as that of XBB.1.5 at F486P. Same as Delta position 478, but not as violent. However, there must be continued monitoring and surveillance. In the case of India Clinical symptoms of XBB.1.16 were itchy, red eyes, but without pus in that child. There are no reports indicating that XBB.1.16 must always be present in the eyes, but fever is the key symptom. XBB.1.16 can still be detected with ATK as it detects viral proteins, however. Detection of infection focuses on checking when there are symptoms. And must understand the nature of ATK that can cause false effects.
Dr. Suphakit said that for vaccination to prevent COVID must understand that The development of vaccines follows the virus. Therefore, all vaccines have decreased efficacy. But it's better than not injecting. Including the bivalent vaccine combining two strains of Wuhan and Omicron, it was less effective. - Thai News Agency
Source: Thai News Agency