Coronavirus (Covid-19)
WHO warning of infectious Omicron sub-variants has Thai officials on high alert

Thai health officials are on high alert after at least 1 foreign national was found to be infected with an Omicron sub-variant that has the potential to cause severe illness. The Bangkok Post reports that Supakit Sirilak from the Department of Medical Sciences says the World Health Organisation has issued a warning about 3 highly infectious Omicron sub-variants, known as BA.4, BA.5, and BA.2.12.1.
According to Supakit, over 97% of Covid-19 infections in Thailand are currently the BA.2 sub-variant. However, officials are paying heed to the WHO’s warning. BA.4 and BA.5 were first reported in South Africa in January and February, with BA.2.12.1 detected in the US in February. Since then, there have been confirmed reports of BA.4 and BA.5 spreading in several countries, including Botswana, South Africa, Germany, and Denmark. Meanwhile, BA.2.12.1 has also been found in Canada and India.
Whole genome sequencing in Thailand shows that a Brazilian national was infected with BA.5, while an Indian national and a Canadian were carrying BA.2.12. To date, there have been no reports of the BA.2.12.1 and BA.4 sub-variants in the kingdom.
Supakit goes on to say that people who contract BA.1 display weak immunity against BA.4 and BA.5, but those who are fully vaccinated show stronger immunity against both sub-variants. He adds that health officials around the country will continue to monitor Covid infections to check for any of the 3 sub-variants.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.
Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.
Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)3 days ago
BREAKING: Bars reopening in Thailand’s “Green” and “Blue” Zones, changes to Thailand Pass
- Best of28 mins ago
Siam Paragon wins the Best Luxury Shopping Mall 2022 Award
- Bangkok4 days ago
UPDATE: Bangkok governor candidates answer Russell Crowe’s questions on TV
- Press Room3 days ago
What’s behind CP’s successful Metaverse campaign?
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)4 days ago
Thailand plans to declare Covid-19 endemic earlier than expected
- Business3 days ago
Thai AirAsia X becomes third airline in Thailand to file for bankruptcy
- South4 days ago
Nok Air gamble fails to take off costing airline millions
- Phuket3 days ago
Love drugs found in hotel of Aussie man who plunged to his death
Recent comments: