The Ministry of Health is currently monitoring a new COVID-19 mutation that was detected in Sabah, including its infectivity rate and impact on people.
Photo via Borneo Today
According to FMT, the Health director-general Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah said that the new A701B mutation was detected after the ministry conducted tests on 60 samples from the Benteng LD cluster in Sabah.
“We have identified the A701B mutation but are not sure of the clinical impact such as the infectivity rate of the mutation and the aggressiveness of the virus
“The COVID-19 virus is always mutating, we need to know what the virus’ impact on health will be,” said DG Hisham.
The new COVID-19 mutations were also detected in several other countries, including South Africa, Australia, the Netherlands, and Singapore.
Meanwhile, On Monday (21 December) a new variant, with the scientific name of VUI 202012/01 had spread fast through the United Kingdom with a high infection rate.
For Malaysians returning from the UK, screening tests, monitoring, and a 10-day quarantine will still apply to them, as reported by BERNAMA.
Photo via Malay Mail
Elaborating further, DG Hisham said that the ministry had previously identified the existence of the D614G mutation in Kedah involving the Sivagangga cluster as well as in Johor and Sabah, “The D614G mutation could infect other individuals 10 times easier.”
The Ministry will also monitor these existing mutations and identify their effect on the COVID-19 vaccines’ effectiveness.
Take care of yourself, guys! Remember to follow the SOPs, wear a face mask and maintain physical distancing.
Stay safe.
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
