MIRI – The Sarawak Health Department and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) are zooming in on Covid-19 deaths involving young people in the state.
State Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said they are carrying out genomic studies on such deaths.
“The Health Department and Unimas are going deeper into genomic studies of those in their 30s to 40s who died of Covid-19.
“We are alarmed by the rising trend of young Sarawakians dying from the coronavirus.
“Are there more new variants of concern in this state?
“We eagerly await the clinical outcomes of these genomic studies,” he said on social media.
Dr Sim, who is also adviser of the state Disaster Management Committee, said that genomic research has taken on greater importance globally, in a bid to better understand the coronavirus plaguing the world.
“Sarawak must boost its local expertise in the field of genomics,” he said.
Genomics is the study of whole genomes of organisms, and incorporates elements from genetics.
It uses a combination of recombinant DNA, DNA-sequencing methods and bioinformatics to sequence, assemble and analyse the structure and function of genomes.
In recent weeks, more young people have been dying from Covid-19, some before even having time to seek treatment at hospitals.
Resident Ferdauz Jumain said it is clear the deaths of younger people is an emerging trend.
“They were found dead before they could be treated.
“Their deaths were later confirmed by hospitals to be due to Covid-19.
“Is this caused by a new variant of Covid-19?” he asked.
Dr Sim said that while health authorities probe into these cases, the level of urgency among the public to rid the state of Covid-19 should also be raised.
“Such cases show that even the young can end up with fatal results if they are not treated early.
“No matter how mild the symptoms may be, go seek medical help immediately.
“Timing is crucial. Getting checked, being isolated if confirmed positive will hasten treatment and quarantine.
“This could save lives,” he said.
The P.3 variant was first discovered in the Philippines. Then, it underwent double mutations to become the South African variant and UK variant. – The Vibes, May 5, 2021
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