Omicron’s sub-type spreading fast

New versions of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, BA.5 is spreading rapidly in the country, causing the current surge in new cases, finds a study of the icddr,b.

Between May 14 and June 24, BA.5 was the most predominant subvariant, according to the findings published on icddr,b website yesterday.

During this period, researchers identified 51 instances of BA.5 and one instance of BA.2 subvariants through genome sequencing of 52 samples. 

The first case of BA.5 was detected in Dhaka on May 19.

Clinical data and vaccination history of 40 BA.5 patients were available.

Thirty-nine patients had mild to moderate symptoms, and one had none. At least 11 were infected for the second time and seven for the third time. Thirty-eight patients had at least one dose a vaccine. At least 16 had received a booster shot, 21 had two doses, and one had one shot.

None of the patients had any foreign travel history and only one was hospitalised for a day. The severity of the symptoms caused by BA.5 among the study population was low.

"The recent countrywide upsurge of Covid-19 cases as well as hospitalisation, however, warrants continuation of public health and social measures…," said icddr,b.

To stay safe, icddr,b recommended that people get vaccinated, keep wearing well-fitted facemasks, maintain physical distancing, and wash hands with soap and water frequently.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Health Services yesterday reported 16.74 percent positivity rate, up from 16.51 percent the previous day.

Seven patients died and 1,998 new cases were detected, according to a press release from the directorate.