Ministry of Health Malaysia has found the first two cases of individuals infected with the Nigerian Variant of SARS-CoV-2, also known as B1.525, in Malaysia. The cases are of two foreigners who arrived in Malaysia from Dubai, United Arab Emirates and were found to be Covid-19 positive through the RT PCR Covid-19 swab test.
The Institute for Medical Research (IMR) then performed a full genome sequencing as it takes into account their travel history. The Nigerian variant was first detected in the UK and Nigeria in December 2020.
” The Nigerian variant can also cause an increase in infectivity rate as well as a possible decrease in the immune response.”
MOH reassured that IMR and CPRC will continue to monitor the development of the virus mutation and to inform the public from time to time. They also reminded that even though, the national immunisation program is going smoothly, public health actions are still required as herd immunity has still not been achieved yet.
Stay tuned for more updates!
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