Ministry of Health informs about sub-variant XBB.1.16 and the current COVID-19 epidemic in Vietnam

Medical staff take COVID-19 test samples from people in Bangkok, Thailand.

On May 14, regarding information about the XBB.1.16 sub-variant of the Omicron strain and the current COVID-19 epidemic situation, a representative of the Ministry of Health said: In the world, within 28 days (up to April 27, 2025), some countries have had high increases in COVID-19 cases such as: Brazil recorded over 7,000 cases, the UK recorded over 5,000 cases.

In Thailand, from January 1, 2025 to May 10, 2025, 53,676 cases of COVID-19 infection and 16 deaths were recorded. Bangkok alone had the highest number of infections with 16,723 cases.

Notably, the increase in COVID-19 cases in Thailand is related to the increase of the XBB.1.16 sub-variant in the country. According to a representative of the Thai Ministry of Health, although the number of COVID-19 cases has increased recently, Thailand recommends that people should not be too worried, because this is a circulating disease and most cases only have mild symptoms.

According to a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.16 has appeared since 2023, has the ability to spread rapidly, but there is no evidence of causing more severe symptoms and there is currently no new warning for COVID-19 globally.

Regarding the COVID-19 epidemic situation in Vietnam, according to the representative of the Ministry of Health, from the beginning of 2025 to now, the whole country has recorded 148 scattered cases of COVID-19 in 27 provinces and cities, with no deaths. Of which: Ho Chi Minh City (34 cases), Hanoi (19 cases), Hai Phong (21 cases), Bac Ninh (14 cases), Nghe An (17 cases), Quang Ninh (6 cases), Bac Giang (4 cases), Binh Duong (4 cases). 19 other provinces and cities recorded 1 to 2 cases/province. Localities have not recorded concentrated outbreaks, however, there has been a slight increase in the number of cases in the past 3 weeks, with an average of 20 cases/week.

The representative of the Ministry of Health commented: Globally, the number of cases and deaths due to COVID-19 is on a downward trend; the rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand coincides with the time and incubation period after the traditional New Year, most likely due to the increase in large gatherings and the increase of the XBB.1.16 sub-variant.

In Vietnam, COVID-19 is a common disease; with the high level of interaction and travel of Vietnamese people during the April 30 and May 1, 2025 holidays, it is not impossible to rule out the possibility of an increase in cases in the coming time. However, there may not be an increase in severe cases due to variants of the COVID-19 virus.

The Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.16 has been around since 2023, is highly transmissible but has not been shown to cause more severe symptoms, and the WHO currently has no new global warning for COVID-19.

In the face of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Ministry of Health has proactively strengthened supervision and closely monitored the COVID-19 situation, strengthened the implementation of epidemic prevention and control measures at medical facilities and in the community; ready to admit, provide emergency care, and effectively treat cases of the disease, especially high-risk groups (pregnant women, people with underlying diseases, the elderly, etc.), and prevent deaths.

To proactively prevent and control COVID-19, the Ministry of Health continues to recommend that people take good measures such as:

- Wear a mask in public places, on public transport, and at medical facilities.

- Limit gathering in crowded places (if not necessary).

- Wash your hands regularly with clean water, soap or antiseptic solution.

- Increase exercise, physical training, and proper nutrition.

- If you have symptoms of fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you must immediately go to the nearest medical facility for examination, monitoring, and timely treatment...

In particular, people coming to and returning from countries with high numbers of COVID-19 cases need to proactively monitor their health status to prevent and combat COVID-19 for themselves, their families and close contacts.

The Ministry of Health will continue to coordinate with WHO to closely monitor the COVID-19 epidemic situation in the world and propose appropriate and effective disease prevention and control measures.

According to baotintuc.vn

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/bo-y-te-thong-tin-bien-the-phu-xbb116-va-dich-covid-19-tai-viet-nam-hien-nay-post401755.html