KUALA LUMPUR: The detection in Malaysia of Covid-19 variants from abroad should be a cause for concern, with experts warning that the B.1.617.1 strain from India is more infectious.
Virologist Associate Professor Dr Chee Hui Yee said while more data would be needed to determine the efficacy of vaccines against this variant, it was important for Malaysians to get vaccinated and prevent the virus from replicating.
"The more the virus replicates, the more mutants will be produced because the RNA virus tends to mutate during RNA replication. The antibodies generated via vaccination can neutralise some viruses if not all, and block the virus from infecting more cells.
"This will reduce the chances of the virus replicating massively," she told the New Straits Times.
Malaysia reported its first case of the so-called "double mutation" variant on May 2.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the variant was detected in an Indian national screened at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
So far, the Health Ministry has detected eight cases of the United Kingdom variant, and 48 of the South African virus strain.
Dr Chee said the B.1.617.1 strain had proven to be more transmissible, making it more infectious and dangerous.
The government, she said, must intensify efforts to get more people registered and inoculated against Covid-19.
She also reminded the public to observe standard operating procedures, including avoiding the 3Cs and practising the 3Ws. The 3Cs are avoiding crowded places, confined spaces, and close conversations, while the 3Ws are frequently washing hands, wearing face masks and warning others.
"Stay home and do not go out unnecessarily. Get tested if you suspect that you are a close contact and observe quarantine when you are asked to."
Dr Chee also said the vaccine was the most effective way to reduce transmission, apart from taking antiviral drugs that had prophylactic properties.
"However, there are no such drugs (for Covid-19) so far."
Malaysian Public Health Physicians Association president Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said while there was not enough information on how severe the new strains were, people must continue with strict measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
This includes movement curbs, tightening SOP, ramping up testing and enforcing quarantine.
"The public should be worried about this strain because it is easily transmitted. A virus will always mutate and evolve into new variants, (but) the people still need to be vaccinated to protect themselves."