The Departement of Health (DOH) on Sunday, August 15, confirmed the detection of Philippines’ first case of COVID-19 Lambda variant (C.37) from the latest batch of samples sequenced by UP-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC).
According to DOH, it involves a 35-year-old woman and “currently being validated as to whether she is a local or Returning Overseas Filipino case.”
“The case was asymptomatic and tagged as recovered after undergoing the 10-day isolation period.” DOH said in a statement.
Health authorities are currently conducting contact tracing and investigation regarding the said case.
The Lambda variant was classified by World Health Organization (WHO) as a ‘Variant of Interest’ (VOI), and according to the health experts, it is more resistant to COVID-19 vaccines. The Lambda was first identified in Peru last year.
“VOI has the potential to affect the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 and is currently being monitored for its possible clinical significance.” DOH added.
Furthermore, the said health agency reported 182 new cases of COVID-19 Delta variant. 40 cases with the P.3 variant. 41 and 66 new cases for Alpha and Beta variants, respectively.