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MOH debunks claim that Omicron XBB subvariant is more ‘toxic’ than Delta variant

International and local data show that the Omicron XBB subvariant is milder than the Delta variant, and does not have a higher mortality rate.

Dini Qistina Binte Ali

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Published: 20 April 2023, 2:24 PM

The Ministry of Health (MOH) issued a Facebook statement on Wednesday (Apr 19) to debunk a claim circulating on Whatsapp that the Omicron XBB subvariant is “five times more toxic” than the Delta variant, that it is difficult to detect and has a higher mortality rate.

MOH explained that both local and international data have shown that the Omicron XBB subvariant is milder than the Delta variant and does not have a higher mortality rate.

It added that the current COVID-19 tests are able to detect COVID-19 infections, including the XBB strains.

A message circulating on WhatsApp alleges that the Omicron XBB subvariant is five times more toxic than the Delta...
Posted by Ministry of Health, Singapore on Wednesday, 19 April 2023

MOH said there is no clear dominant strain among the ones currently circulating in the local community. These include XBB, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9, XBB.1.16, XBB.2.3, BN.1 and CH.1.1.

It also added that there is no evidence showing that any one of them causes more severe illness.

While Singapore is currently experiencing a wave of COVID-19 cases, ICU admissions remain stable and low, with “less than ten COVID-19 patients in ICU at any one time over the past month”, said MOH.

MOH strongly advised the public to refer to its website and other credible sources of information regarding COVID-19.