First Omicron XJ case found with another likely recombinant variant case being checked

JUST a couple of days after it was revealed that a Thai man had got infected with the new Omicron subvariant XE, which is a mix of BA. 1 and BA. 2 strains, the Public Health Ministry today (Apr. 4) said another man was suspected to have been infected with the XJ subspecies with a third person also likely to have been infected with an Omicron recombinant variant but this is still being analyse, Matichon newspaper said.

Dr. Supakit Sirilak, the head of the Medical Sciences Department, said a 34-year-old transport worker who had received two Sinopham jabs, fell sick on Feb, 22 this year and could have been infected with the new subtype XJ mainly found in Finland.

That this occurred could have stemmed from his profession which entails meeting a lot of people. The patient has now been cured.

“He was asymptomatic so to say what symptoms this subvariant brings about we do need more information. There has to be more data then only can we conclude the percentage of the symptoms such as fever being slightly lower or sore throat stronger,” he said.

“There is another case but we only got the sample yesterday April 3, however  initial data shows the chances of this being an Omicron recombinant variant is 60 percent, but we have to wait for more information before reaching a conclusion.” 

Dr. Supakit warned the public that Omicron is very contagious despite the illness being less severe so people should continue being careful.

He added that in letting lots of people get infected only increases the chances of the virus mutating and if it turns potent it could lead to a lot of problems.

CAPTIONS:

Top: Graphic illustration of Omicron variants. Photo: Publichealth.jhu.edu

Home Page: Dr. Supakit Sirilak, the head of the Medical Sciences Department. Photo: Matichon

Also read:  Thai virologist: New Omicron variant XE looks 100% the same as BA. 2

PM orders immediate hospitalisation of 608 group Covid patients

Rural doctors say nationwide daily ATK positive tally too low

Dengue fever to surge again this year

Move to procure a big lot of Covid-19 drug

Paxlovid Covid pills arriving here next month

 Antigen kit displays 4 bars but company says this is not possible

Songkran rules set while pre-arrival PCR test dropped

Four cases of mutant Omicron strain BA. 2.2 found in Thailand