By Alec Go
The Department of Health (DOH) said the World Health Organization (WHO) has yet to confirm the symptoms of Omicron sublineage XBB.1.1.6 or “Arcturus” including conjunctivitis.
This is considered a variant of interest by the WHO.
In response to the media on Wednesday, April 26, the DOH said common COVID-19 symptoms are fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, headache, body pain, and diarrhea.
“Aside from the known flu-like symptoms of COVID-19, other symptoms may vary from case to case and studies are continuously ongoing of what effects the virus may entail,” it stated.
“What is important is that cases remain manageable,” it added.
The DOH advised the public to consult with their physicians for proper diagnosis.
It also reiterated its call on the public to continue observing health standards to prevent COVID-19 transmission, such as proper sanitation, wearing of face masks, distancing, and good ventilation.
“[V]accination remains to be the best defense against severe COVID-19,” it continued.
The Philippines’ first XBB.1.1.6 case in Western Visayas was reported on Tuesday. – gb