New COVID-19 Strain D614G Detected in Malaysia, 10 Times More Infectious
The Malaysian Institute for Medical Research has detected a D614G type mutation as a result of isolation and culture tests on three cases from the Sivagangga patient-under-investigation (PUI) Cluster and one case from the Ulu Tiram Cluster.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said this means the community has to be more careful as the Covid-19 virus with the D614G mutation has been detected in Malaysia.
“It is found to be 10 times easier to infect other individuals and easier to spread, if spread by ‘super spreader’ individuals.
Read Also: When You’re Smiling, The Whole World Really Does Smile With You
[the_ad id=”10542″]
“So far, these two clusters have been found to be under-control as a result of the swift public health control actions. This initial test and several follow-up tests are being conducted to test several other cases, including for the index case for the two clusters,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page today.
Explaining the matter, he said, the D614G mutation was discovered by scientists in July 2020 and it is likely to result in the study on existing vaccines to be incomplete or ineffective against the mutation.
Therefore, he advised the public to continue to apply preventive measures and public health control, which is to practise the prescribed standard operating procedures (SOP), like physical distancing, self-hygiene practices and to wear the face mask.
Read Also: Michelle Obama Reveals COVID-19 Also Affects Her Mental Health
[the_ad id=”10542″]
“The latest Covid-19 situation is found to be under control and the Ministry of Health and other agencies are still making efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“Public cooperation is needed so that we can together break the chain of the Covid-19 infection from all types of mutations,” he added. — Bernama
Read Also: Expert Worries ‘World First’ Russian COVID-19 Vaccine Has Not Been Proven Safe
[the_ad id=”10542″]
