[UPDATED] Malaysia detects 11 more Omicron cases

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia has recorded 11 more cases of the Omicron variant following testing involving 18 individuals that had direct contact with the second recorded individual, said Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah today. 

Dr Noor Hisham, in a statement, said infections are imported cases from the United Kingdom (three), the United States (three), Nigeria (two), Saudi Arabia (two) and one from Australia. 

“Nine are Malaysians, while two are Nigerians. Eight cases are experiencing light symptoms, while the rest are asymptomatic. 

“Five of them have undergone quarantine at home, while the rest of the cases are undergoing quarantine at quarantine stations. 

“All of them are under further investigations to identify the cause of infection and close contact,” he said, 

The detection of 11 more cases infected with the new and highly transmissible variant brings the total number of Omicron cases detected in Malaysia to 13.

Elaborating further, he said the ministry could not confirm whether the other seven cases are infected with the Omicron variant as genome sequencing could not be conducted due to low viral loads from the samples received. 

He added that the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) had detected another 13 cases suspected to be of the same variant on December 17. 

“IMR is currently awaiting the confirmation results from the whole genome sequencing.

“Further information on the matter will be made public from time to time,” he said. 

From December 11 to 17, the ministry has detected 222 cases involving variants, including 211 Delta and 11 Omicron cases. 

To date, a total of 5,213 variant cases have been detected in the country. 

“In light of the increase in Omicon variant cases in the country, the Health Ministry would like to encourage everyone to acquire a booster shot so the optimal level of protection can be achieved in order to curb the spread of Covid-19,” said Dr Noor Hisham. – The Vibes, December 18, 2021