GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia will unlikely see a huge spike in Covid-19 cases following the detection of a small wave of infections of the Omicron XBB subvariant in the country, a virologist said.
Dr Kumitaa Theva Das of Universiti Sains Malaysia said that with Singapore showing a downward trend for the past few days, this infection wave might be wavering.
The XBB strain, which accounted for more than 50 per cent of the republic's cases, seems to be as transmissible as the other Covid-19 variants, with many of its cases either asymptomatic or mild.
"As our first case was detected around the same time as the one in Singapore, it is unlikely that we see a huge spike in our cases.
"Those infected with XBB have fever and sore throat, similar to symptoms seen in other Omicron subvariants. So, it is important to get tested as soon as possible if you notice any symptom for early detection to prevent transmission," she told the New Straits Times.
Recently , it was reported that the Health Ministry expected a slight increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the next few weeks following the detection of a small wave of infections due to the XBB strain.
Caretaker Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin advised the public not to be alarmed by the development, and instead remain vigilant as the country was transitioning to endemicity.
Dr Kumitaa, a geneticist with USM's Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, said except for Melaka, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, the rest of the country was showing an increase in Covid-19 cases.
She said based on a 14-day study period, the highest number of deaths had been recorded in Selangor.
"So far, the XBB strain has been detected in Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan and Selangor.
"As its first case is traced back to mid-September, due to high mobility of people, it is highly likely that the XBB strain is in other states.
"As cases are being under-reported and consequently, with a decrease in surveillance, we may not be able to detect new virus variants as quickly as we did in the past, especially if the symptoms are similar to past Omicron subvariants.
Dr Kumitaa said the XBB strain (BA.2.10), a combination of two Omicron variants (BA.2.75 and BJ.1) was a cause for concern as it was the most immune-evading out of all the variants, according to a study conducted by researchers in China.
The XBB strain evolves from Omicron and has at least seven new mutations along its spikes.
Dr Kumitaa said this made it harder for the body's immune system to recognise it.
"The longer a virus is in circulation, with Covid-19 going into its fourth year now, the more mutations are accumulated and the better it gets at evading our immune system and infecting our cells.
"Although there has not been any evidence to indicate increased severity or death, those who have not been previously infected would be susceptible to being infected with the XBB variant.
"Similarly, if your last vaccine shot was more than a year ago, you are at higher risk of being infected.
"If you were infected with the earlier strains, such as Alpha, Beta or Delta, there is a higher chance of reinfection. Based on Singapore's data, about 17 per cent of the country's new cases are reinfections," she said.
Asked if Malaysians should get their second booster shots, she said the current Covid-19 situation was similar to the annual flu season.
She said the earlier vaccines administered were still effective and prevented the severity of Covid-19 symptoms.
She added that bivalent Covid-19 vaccines, which were formulated based on the Omicron variants, provided better protection against XBB.
"Our booster vaccines work well at the moment, but newer Covid-19 variants could make vaccine design more challenging in the future.
"Getting the booster shots increases our body's immunity. This is especially so with bivalent vaccines as they have been shown to offer higher protection against the newer Omicron subvariants.
"Transitioning to or living in endemicity does not mean ignoring the virus. It means adopting safe practices so that we can protect ourselves and our loved ones, while living normally as best as we can."
Dr Kumitaa was asked on how the XBB strain could be kept in check with Malaysia holding the 15th General Election (GE15) on Nov 19.
She said that tried and tested public health measures would go a long way in keeping everyone safe.
"This is crucial if you are interacting with high-risk individuals, such as the elderly, the immunocompromised, those with hypertension or diabetes. Malaysians have always been thoughtful and considerate. I believe it will be no different during this election."