THE highly infectious Covid-19 Omicron sub-variants of JN.1 and HK.3 – which are capable of multiple mutations – have been detected in the districts of Kuching, Samarahan, and Sibu in Sarawak.
This was discovered by University Sarawak Malaysia’s Institute of Health and Community Medicine.
The institute’s head, Prof Dr David Perera, in a statement, said the latest variants detected in Sarawak are similar to the ones rapidly spreading throughout the United States.
“The Omicron HK.3 and JN.1 were detected from tests carried out on samples taken in Kuching, Samarahan and Sibu during sequencing from November to December.
“For the other areas in Sarawak, we are still not sure about these variants as there is still a lack of data.
“The JN.1 is especially rapidly spreading, including in the USA.
“It is especially highly transmissible, averting immunity, and can have multiple mutations and the public in Sarawak are warned to take extra precautions,” he said.
Perera said his institute had forwarded a report on the latest developments to the State Disaster Management Committee.
Sarawak is bracing itself for the latest wave of Covid-19 attacks.
Hospitals in Kuching and Miri are already seeing a surge in admissions. – The Vibes, December 21, 2023.
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