2024-07-28 10:35:34
On July 24, 2024, the Ministry of Health confirmed that they have been detected new variants of covid-19 in Guatemala, this being one of the causes of the increase in cases that has been recorded since June.
Ministry of Health confirms new variants of covid-19 in Guatemala
He Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance —MSPAS— has confirmed the Detection of new variants of covid-19 in GuatemalaThe National Health Laboratory Directorate (DLNS) reported that several variants of interest have been identified that are currently circulating in the country, according to the latest report shared by the institution.
Variants detected
The MSPAS statement details that, for the first time, the circulation of new variants of covid-19 has been detected in Guatemala. The variants identified are:
- KP and its sublineages: KP1.1, KP.1.1.3, KP.2, KP.2.2, KP.2.3, KP.3.2.3. These were declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as variants under monitoring since May 3, 2024.
- LB.1, LB.1.2 y LB.1.8: These have been monitored by the WHO since June 28, 2024.
- KS.1.1, LP.1, LU.1 and LU.2: All descendants of the JN.1 variant.
According to the WHO, the variants under surveillance are of particular importance because they are being investigated to see if they may represent an additional threat compared to other known variants. This means that health authorities must pay priority attention and follow up on these strains.
What is the predominant variant?
The study presented by the DLNS revealed that the predominant variant in the country is the KP and its sublineages, as well as the JN.1 variant. The analysis was based on 197 samples collected from May 31 to July 18, 2024. According to the statement, since the introduction of these new variants in early June, an increase in Covid-19 cases has been observed. However, no significant change in the clinical presentation of the disease has been reported; the symptoms observed remain mild, similar to those of previous variants.
The Ministry of Health’s dashboard of positive cases shows a considerable increase in the number of cases. During June, 766 positive cases were recorded, while from July 1 to 21, the number increased to 2,263.
Authorities recommend maintaining preventive measures
The Ministry of Health stresses that it is important to resume the following prevention recommendations:
- Use of a mask in people with respiratory symptoms or chronic diseases
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing using the inside of your arm or a tissue.
- Wash your hands immediately after coughing or sneezing to avoid spreading the virus.
- Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter in closed spaces
- Maintain natural ventilation
It is also advisable to be aware of the symptoms of Covid-19 and, if you have any, seek medical attention and get tested for the virus. If you are a member of the IGSS, in this note we share with you the locations and schedules of the Units that carry out swabs of covid-1:
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