KUCHING: Six Covid-19 positive cases caused by the new XBB1.16 or Arcturus variant have been detected in Sarawak.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Institute of Health and Community Medicine (IHCM) director Professor Dr David Perera revealed this in his latest report to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas today.
Dr Perera said the Arcturus is responsible for the dramatic rise in positive cases recently in India and other countries and the World Health Organisation has categorised the variant as one being monitored due to its potential for increased infectivity and pathogenicity.
“Given the detection of the Arcturus variant in the state, the general public is strongly advised to be aware of the heightened risk of an increased infection rate. Everyone must take the necessary precautions to avoid infection and prevent the spread to vulnerable individuals, particularly during the coming festive season,” he said.
Dr Perera added the other variant detected is the XBB1.11.1 where 12 cases were reported and which had been circulating predominantly in South East Asia.
Meanwhile, he said the IHCM which is tracking the SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in Sarawak, had successfully sequenced 33 samples between Feb 20 to Apr 13.
“These samples are positive cases obtained predominantly in Kuching while Serian contributed one and Sibu contributed two cases.
“The Omicron VOC (Variant of Concern) remains the dominant circulating variant with several different XBB.1 sub-variant circulating,” he added.
Meanwhile, on the prevailing hot weather, Uggah again appealed to the people to refrain from doing any open burning to prevent the current hot and hazy weather situation from deteriorating.
He was chairing the SDMC meeting this morning.
“Over the last few days, our Air Pollution Index has recorded unhealthy readings at 50 and above. So, all of us should play our part to protect each other. Please heed any medical advice given.
“If you witness any open burning, please report to the Fire and Rescue Department, the Natural Resources and Environment Board or the Department of Environment so that immediate action can be taken,” he said.
