MIRI – The latest Covid-19 variant known as Arcturus has been detected in Sarawak, with six infected persons so far.
The variant was found in samples of patients in Kuching (three), Sibu (two), and Serian (one).
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s Institute of Health and Community Medicine head Dr David Perera said the report on the findings have been submitted to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee.
“The six patients with the Arcturus variant were found from active samplings of 33 patients between February 20 and April 13.
“Arcturus is responsible for the dramatic rise in infections in many countries, including India. We in Sarawak must take extra precautions especially as we enter this festive period.
“The Omicron variant remains the dominant one in Sarawak with different sub-variants circulating in the state,” he said in a statement.
Two days ago the Health Ministry reported that the number of Covid-19 patient admissions in government hospitals per 100,000 residents increased by 26.2% in the 15th epidemiological week from April 9 to 15 compared with the previous week.
Most patients are high-risk groups such as the elderly and individuals with comorbidities.
“From January 1, 2023, to April 15, 2023, the case fatality rate (CFR) of Covid-19 was reported to be 0.3% (compared to the Delta wave with a high CFR of 2.1%).
“A total of 80.7% involved patients aged 60 years and above while 82.6% were among individuals with comorbidities.”
The ministry also reminded Malaysians to take precautionary measures to curb the increase in Covid-19 infection cases during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season. – The Vibes, April 20, 2023
