DOH confirmed the presence of Brazilian SARS-CoV-2 variant in the Philippines

The Department of Health in the Philippines has confirmed the detection of Brazilian variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the country. At the moment, the health agency have 1 confirmed case of such variant.

Additionally, it reports 59 more of the UK variant of the virus in the country as well as 32 more new cases of of the South African variant. These new variants detected in the Philippines are regarded as highly significant as they were reported to have at least lower the efficacy of existing vaccines designed to eradicate COVID-19.

Moreover, there are 13 cases of new mutations detected in the Philippines that may also have a possible clinical significance.

Yesterday, Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) have reported a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 on a traveler coming from the Philippines having the E484K and N501Y mutations. This new variants are a “variants of concern” which are distinctive to the UK, South Africa and Brazilian variants.