Cover image via Highly contagious subvariants of the Omicron strain are driving a surge in COVID-19 cases across neighbouring countries like Thailand and Singapore
Public health experts are strongly urging Malaysians to remain cautious and adopt preventive measures similar to those practised at the height of the pandemic, especially for high-risk groups.
A Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) health expert warns that the subvariant is highly transmissible
Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, a community health specialist at UKM, said subvariants like LP.8.1 and NB.1.8.1 are more transmissible, though they appear to cause less severe illness compared to earlier strains.
These subvariants have been classified as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organization (WHO), and typically cause symptoms such as cough, cold, and low-grade fever, with most individuals recovering within a few days.
"However, we cannot predict when a more severe variant might emerge, so it's important to continue self-monitoring and remain vigilant," she cautioned.
Dr Sharifa advised the public to wear face masks in crowded places, particularly when travelling abroad, and to maintain good personal hygiene.
Experts also point out that the increased public awareness has played a key role in detecting COVID-19 cases
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia senior lecturer and public health specialist Dr Mohd Hafiz Jaafar said that heightened public awareness has made it easier to detect COVID-19 cases.
He added that recent periods of increased social activity, such as school holidays and festive celebrations, have also contributed to greater public movement and interaction.
However, Dr Hafiz noted that "the overall impact does not appear to require widespread hospitalisation, as most cases involve only symptom management".
Both Thailand and Singapore have recently reported a significant surge in COVID-19 cases
Thailand logged 65,880 new infections and three deaths between 25 to 30 May. Meanwhile, Singapore reported an estimated 14,200 cases from 27 April to 3 May, climbing from 11,100 the previous week, and noted 133 hospital admissions.
In Malaysia, Melaka experienced an increase of more than 20% in COVID-19 cases, with 93 new infections recorded during Epidemiological Week 23, which spanned from 1 to 7 June.
