Omicron’s subvariant BA.2.74 recorded in Vietnam

The General Department of Preventive Medicine announced on August 17 that Vietnam has recorded BA.2.74, a new subvariant of the Omicron strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

omicron s subvariant ba.2.74 recorded in vietnam picture 1

The subvariant BA.2.74 of the Omicron variant has been detected in Vietnam. (Illustrative image).

The new subvariant was first detected in a report dated August 8 by Bach Mai hospital, the general department said in its statement on August 17.

According to the general department, the Omicron variant is dominating in the world, with its subvariants BA.2.74, BA.2.75, and BA.2.76 likely to spread rapidly and cause infections to increase again.

In Vietnam, through genome sequencing, epidemiologists have so far found Omicron’s subvariants BA.4, BA.5, BA.2.12.1, and BA.2.74.

The general department also made a correction in a statement released on August 15, noting that subvariant BA.2.75 has yet to be detected in Vietnam.

The daily number of coronavirus infections has increased across the country over the past few days, exceeding 2,000. On August 16 alone, close to 3,000 cases were documented, a record high figure over the past three months.

The Ministry of Health suggested that people should stick to COVID-19 prevention and control measures, including wearing face masks, and disinfecting hands with sanitizer or soap, along with vaccinations.

Vietnam has so far logged more than 11 million cases since the start of the outbreak in January 2020, ranking 12 out of 227 countries and territories worldwide. Of the total, approximately 10 million patients have recovered and 43,100 patients have died of the virus and other underlying illnesses.

VOV

Other News

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

The International Day of Older Persons 2026, themed “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” highlights the need to develop healthcare, social security, labour-market and social-service systems in response to increasing life expectancy. For Vietnam, rapid population ageing is not only a demographic issue but also a development challenge.

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Both sides agreed to keep educating officials, Party members, youth union groups and the broader public, especially young people in both provinces, on the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos.

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

The captain discovered water entering ballast tanks No. 4, 5 and 6 on the port side, causing the vessel to list slightly. Initial assessments indicated that the vessel may have struck an underwater rock formation while underway.

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright is entering an entirely new phase. As AI becomes increasingly capable of generating text, summarising books, mimicking writing styles and producing content at enormous speed, ensuring copyright protection is becoming more difficult.

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Prolonged heavy rains from September 13–17 have caused flooding and landslides, damaging homes, crops, roads and infrastructure in Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces, with local authorities mobilising forces for emergency response.

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh city's Public Security Department warned individuals, agencies and businesses not to publicly disclose or provide personal information or bank account details on social media, and urged organisations and businesses to strictly comply with regulations on protecting customers’ personal data.

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

The continued recovery of martyrs’ remains provides valuable information and further evidence of those who fought and sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom. It also encourages search teams to persist in locating fallen soldiers still lying on former battlefields, contributing to the effective implementation of the 500-day campaign and reflecting Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of gratitude.

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam will launch nationwide screening for five groups of school-related diseases and health conditions among students from preschool through high school from 2028, including overweight and obesity, refractive errors, spinal curvature, oral diseases and mental health disorders.