New Highly Transmissible Sub-Variant of Covid-19 Detected in Thailand: FU.1 Poses Potential Threat
Thailand is grappling with a concerning development as a new sub-variant of the Omicron variant, known as XBB.1.16.1.1 or “FU.1,” has emerged. According to reports, FU.1 is believed to be 50% more transmissible than the XBB.1.16 strain, which is already prevalent in the country.
The Center for Medical Genomics at Ramathibodi Hospital took to social media to highlight the ongoing mutation of the Omicron variant worldwide. Among the dominant sub-variants currently observed globally are XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, and XBB.1.9.1, with the latter two being the prevailing strains not only in Thailand but also in other parts of the world.
Statistics reveal that XBB.1.16 has been identified in 9,003 Covid-19 cases worldwide, with 139 cases reported in Thailand. Another sub-variant, XBB.1.16.1, has been detected in 2,714 cases globally, including 26 cases within the country. Additionally, XBB.1.16.2 has been found in 666 cases worldwide, with 25 cases occurring domestically, while XBB.1.16.3 has been reported in 175 cases globally, with five cases traced back to Thailand.
Of particular concern is the emergence of the latest strain, FU.1, which has gained significant traction in Shanghai and has been identified in 122 cases worldwide, with a single case reported in Thailand. Preliminary findings suggest that FU.1 exhibits a staggering 50% higher transmissibility compared to XBB.1.16, raising alarm about its potential to become one of the dominant sub-variants in the near future. Health officials are closely monitoring this strain and other sub-variants to curtail their spread and prevent a surge in cases within the country.
