June 01, Colombo (LNW): Health authorities in Sri Lanka have confirmed the detection of two recently identified Omicron subvariants—designated LF.7 and XFG—within the country, aligning with wider regional patterns of Covid-19 evolution observed across parts of Asia.
The discovery was made following laboratory analysis carried out by the Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Colombo. The samples, collected from multiple medical facilities across the island, underwent genomic sequencing which confirmed the presence of the emerging sublineages.
Dr Jude Jayamaha, a senior virology expert attached to the Ministry of Health and the MRI, stated that whilst these subvariants have indeed entered local circulation, there is currently no indication of heightened risk that would warrant public panic.
According to Dr Jayamaha, viral mutations remain a natural and anticipated aspect of SARS-CoV-2’s ongoing adaptation process.
Although no surge in hospitalisations or severe illness has been linked to these new subvariants, public health professionals continue to monitor the situation closely.
Enhanced genomic surveillance and routine viral sequencing remain core components of the government’s response, aimed at rapidly identifying any significant shifts in transmissibility or disease severity.
In light of the findings, officials are urging the public—particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly, expectant mothers, and individuals with underlying health conditions—to adhere to basic protective measures.
These include the wearing of face masks in crowded settings, maintaining good hygiene practices, and avoiding poorly ventilated indoor spaces whenever possible.
Meanwhile, in a related development, medical investigations have confirmed that a one-and-a-half-month-old infant who died recently at Galle National Hospital had contracted the Covid-19 virus. The diagnosis was confirmed following post-mortem testing by the MRI. However, hospital authorities clarified that the infection was not attributed to either of the newly identified subvariants.
Whilst this isolated case has prompted renewed calls for attentiveness to respiratory symptoms in children and infants, health officials stress that overall case numbers remain manageable at this time.
The Ministry of Health has reiterated that it stands ready to escalate response measures should the epidemiological situation change.
