KUCHING: The first positive case of the Delta variant (B. 1.617.2) of Covid-19 case has been detected in Sarawak.
A 56-year-old local man has been detected infected with the variant on June 18. It was categorised as Import B case.
A statement from the Institute of Health and Community Medicine (IHCM) of the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) said besides this variant, positive cases of the Beta (B.1.351) and the Theta (P.3) variants had also been detected.
IHMC director Prof Dr David Perera said the detection was the result of Unimas’ ongoing tracking and surveillance of the SARS-COV-2 variants in the state.
According to him, a total of 59 positive cases of the Variant of Concern (VOC) and the Variant of Interest (VOI) had been detected up to June 26.
The Delta variant was first detected in India while the Beta was first detected in South Africa and the Theta in the Philippines.
Dr David said for the Beta variant, there were 34 cases detected in Kuching, three in Bau and one each in Lundu, Serian, Simunjan and Sibu.
He added that there were three other Import B cases of the same variant.
He also said that six Theta cases had been detected in Kuching and seven in Kota Samarahan, and one imported A Eta (B.1.525) case.
