@article{Li_Y-2022_93587,
title = {Lineage BA.2 dominated the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 epidemic wave in the Philippines},
author = {Li, Y. and Polotan, F. and Sotelo, G. and Alpino, A. and Dolor, A. and Tujan, M. and Gomez, M. and Onza, O. and Chang, A. and Bautista, C. and Carandang, J. and Yangzon, M. and Pangilinan, E. and Mantaring, R. and Telles, A. and Egana, J. and Endozo, J. and Cruz, R. and Tablizo, F. and Yap, J. and Maralit, B. and Ayes, M. and de la Paz, E. and Saloma, C. and Lim, D. and Dancel, L. and Uy-Lumandas, M. and Medado, I. and Dizon, T. and Hampson, K. and Daldry, S. and Hughes, J. and Brunker, K.},
month = {aug},
year = {2022},
abstract = {The Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant led to a dramatic global epidemic wave following detection in South Africa in November, 2021. The Omicron lineage BA.1 was dominant and responsible for most SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in countries around the world during December 2021-January 2022, whilst other Omicron lineages including BA.2 accounted for the minority of global isolates. Here, we describe the Omicron wave in the Philippines by analysing genomic data. Our results identify the presence of both BA.1 and BA.2 lineages in the Philippines in December 2021, before cases surged in January 2022. We infer that only lineage BA.2 underwent sustained transmission in the country, with an estimated emergence around November 18th, 2021 [95% highest posterior density: November 6-28th], whilst despite multiple introductions BA.1 transmission remained limited. These results suggest the Philippines was one of the earliest areas affected by BA.2, and reiterate the importance of whole-genome sequencing for monitoring outbreaks.},
journal = {Virus Evolution},
publisher = {Oxford University Press},
url = {https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ve/veac078},
}
