Thailand has confirmed 33 cases of the new COVID-19 strain XFG so far this year, with most detected in Bangkok, according to the Department of Medical Sciences.
The department announced on Tuesday that XFG, also known as Stratus, has now become the dominant COVID-19 strain globally.
While infections are rising worldwide, officials emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting it causes more severe illness than other variants.
Thailand recorded its first XFG case in April. By September 24, a total of 33 cases had been identified, 23 of them in Bangkok, said Dr Yongyot Thammavudhi, the department’s director-general.
“Most cases showed mild symptoms such as fever, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, and headaches. No one required hospitalization,” he said.
From April 1 to September 24, the department reviewed 608 COVID-19 samples. Of these, the XFG strain accounted for just 5.4% of infections, Dr Yongyot noted.
Although symptoms have remained mild, health officials continue to urge caution.
“Even though the XFG strain has not caused severe symptoms, people should protect themselves by washing their hands frequently and avoiding crowded places,” he said.
“If you develop unusual symptoms such as fever, coughing, or breathing difficulties, you should promptly consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.”
The Department of Disease Control earlier reported that, as of July 14, Thailand had recorded 589,352 COVID-19 cases this year, with 239 fatalities. Officials say the situation remains under close monitoring as the country navigates the spread of the new global strain.
