COVID-19 Nimbus variant not yet in PH: DOH
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COVID-19 Nimbus variant not yet in PH: DOH
Marilyn Cahatol,
ABS-CBN News
Published Jun 22, 2025 11:50 AM PHT
This transmission electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2—also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19. isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab.Image captured and colorized at NIAID's Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) in Hamilton, Montana. NIAID/File
This transmission electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2—also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19. isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab.Image captured and colorized at NIAID's Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML) in Hamilton, Montana. NIAID/FileMANILA — The Department of Health on Sunday assured the public that the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 or Nimbus, has not been detected in the Philippines yet.
MANILA — The Department of Health on Sunday assured the public that the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 or Nimbus, has not been detected in the Philippines yet.
DOH Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Albert Domingo clarified that the World Health Organization categorized the Nimbus variant, also called “razor blade,” as low risk.
DOH Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Albert Domingo clarified that the World Health Organization categorized the Nimbus variant, also called “razor blade,” as low risk.
“Ang outlook ng WHO dito sa NB.1.8.1 ay low risk pa rin. Ibig sabihin ang bilang ng mga tao, bagama’t dumadami ang kanilang sintomas ay mild pa rin. Ang pagkaospital ay hindi tumataas,” Domingo told DZMM Teleradyo.
“Ang outlook ng WHO dito sa NB.1.8.1 ay low risk pa rin. Ibig sabihin ang bilang ng mga tao, bagama’t dumadami ang kanilang sintomas ay mild pa rin. Ang pagkaospital ay hindi tumataas,” Domingo told DZMM Teleradyo.
He said the occupancy rate of COVID-19 beds in the Philippines has remained lower than 10 percent since the height of the pandemic ended.
He said the occupancy rate of COVID-19 beds in the Philippines has remained lower than 10 percent since the height of the pandemic ended.
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The Nimbus variant causes symptoms similar to other mild COVID-19 variants, including common cold, nasal congestion, sore throat and fever lower than 40-degrees Celsius.
The Nimbus variant causes symptoms similar to other mild COVID-19 variants, including common cold, nasal congestion, sore throat and fever lower than 40-degrees Celsius.
Difficulty in breathing and desaturation, which caused many of the COVID-19 deaths in the previous years, are not carried by the new variant, said the DOH spokesperson.
Difficulty in breathing and desaturation, which caused many of the COVID-19 deaths in the previous years, are not carried by the new variant, said the DOH spokesperson.
The Philippines recorded 2,760 COVID-19 cases since January 2025, which is 87 percent lower than in 2024.
The Philippines recorded 2,760 COVID-19 cases since January 2025, which is 87 percent lower than in 2024.
Domingo attributed this drop to fewer COVID-19 tests and the public’s adherence to health precautions such as washing hands, wearing face masks and social distancing.
Domingo attributed this drop to fewer COVID-19 tests and the public’s adherence to health precautions such as washing hands, wearing face masks and social distancing.
While the government has stopped administering COVID-19 vaccines, Domingo noted that doses received years ago remain in effect against the NB.1.8.1.
While the government has stopped administering COVID-19 vaccines, Domingo noted that doses received years ago remain in effect against the NB.1.8.1.
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“Kung nakuha natin iyon, epektibo pa rin iyon laban dito sa… kasi itong NB.1.8.1 ay sabihin na nating kapamilya ni Omicron,” he said.
“Kung nakuha natin iyon, epektibo pa rin iyon laban dito sa… kasi itong NB.1.8.1 ay sabihin na nating kapamilya ni Omicron,” he said.
The Nimbus variant was first discovered in the United States January this year and has spread to various countries, including those in Asia.
The Nimbus variant was first discovered in the United States January this year and has spread to various countries, including those in Asia.
DENGUE CASES DROPPED BUT MAY INCREASE DURING RAINY SEASON
Meanwhile, Domingo reported that dengue cases in the Philippines has dropped by five to six percent every week, but the public must remain vigilant as dengue cases normally increase during rainy season, which started last June 2.
Meanwhile, Domingo reported that dengue cases in the Philippines has dropped by five to six percent every week, but the public must remain vigilant as dengue cases normally increase during rainy season, which started last June 2.
The spokesperson reminded the public to remove stagnant water where mosquitos could breed.
The spokesperson reminded the public to remove stagnant water where mosquitos could breed.
Based on DOH’s data, there have been 123,000 dengue cases in the Philippines since January 2025.
Based on DOH’s data, there have been 123,000 dengue cases in the Philippines since January 2025.
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Children aged five to nine are the most affected, with 27,258 cases.
Children aged five to nine are the most affected, with 27,258 cases.
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