PHNOM PENH, July 12, 2022 (BSS/Xinhua) - Two Omicron variants of the COVID-19

virus, BA.4 and BA.5, have been detected among the new COVID-19 cases in
Cambodia since late last month, the country's Ministry of Health said in a
statement on Tuesday.

Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5 spread faster than earlier forms of
Omicron and other variants, the statement said, adding that these sub-
variants are easier to evade immune protection and weaken the infected
individual's immunity.

"BA.4 and BA.5 symptoms are similar to other Omicron variations, such as
fever, cough, sore throat and flu," the statement said. The statement did not
disclose the number of BA.4 and BA.5 cases or where they were found in the
country.