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Advocates Philippines
PH Health Officials Say No Cases Yet Of New 'Nimbus' COVID Variant, Continue Close Monitoring
FILE
As global health authorities keep a close eye on emerging COVID-19 variants, the Department of Health (DOH) confirms that, so far, there are no reported cases of the latest variant, NB.1.8.1—informally known as “Nimbus”—in the country.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa assured the public that the variant has not yet been detected locally. “Wala pa kaming nakuhang report,” he stated, adding that the government is now actively monitoring for any signs of its presence in the Philippines.
The Nimbus variant, recently making headlines in other parts of the world, is known for causing unusually painful throat symptoms, often described as a “razor blade throat.” Despite its alarming nickname and discomforting symptoms, current data suggests that existing vaccines may still offer protection.
“It seems na ‘yung vaccine na binigay before are still effective on them,” Herbosa said, noting that those who received COVID-19 vaccines during previous waves still have a level of defense against this new strain.
For now, the health department has not observed any spike in COVID-19 cases. However, Herbosa emphasized that the DOH is staying vigilant, especially given the ongoing influenza season. “We’re monitoring our COVID cases kasi nga season natin ng influenza-like illnesses, and COVID is one of those,” he explained.
The Epidemiology Bureau continues to monitor both local trends and developments in other countries to stay ahead of any potential outbreak.
In the meantime, health officials remind the public to remain cautious and practice good hygiene, especially with respiratory illnesses on the rise. Vaccination, they say, remains a strong line of defense—even against new variants like Nimbus.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa assured the public that the variant has not yet been detected locally. “Wala pa kaming nakuhang report,” he stated, adding that the government is now actively monitoring for any signs of its presence in the Philippines.
The Nimbus variant, recently making headlines in other parts of the world, is known for causing unusually painful throat symptoms, often described as a “razor blade throat.” Despite its alarming nickname and discomforting symptoms, current data suggests that existing vaccines may still offer protection.
“It seems na ‘yung vaccine na binigay before are still effective on them,” Herbosa said, noting that those who received COVID-19 vaccines during previous waves still have a level of defense against this new strain.
For now, the health department has not observed any spike in COVID-19 cases. However, Herbosa emphasized that the DOH is staying vigilant, especially given the ongoing influenza season. “We’re monitoring our COVID cases kasi nga season natin ng influenza-like illnesses, and COVID is one of those,” he explained.
The Epidemiology Bureau continues to monitor both local trends and developments in other countries to stay ahead of any potential outbreak.
In the meantime, health officials remind the public to remain cautious and practice good hygiene, especially with respiratory illnesses on the rise. Vaccination, they say, remains a strong line of defense—even against new variants like Nimbus.
Jun 19, 2025
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