GEORGE TOWN: There is no need to raise the alarm for the newest Omicron XBB subvariant, XBB.1.16 (also known as Arcturus), despite having been reported in several states, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) virologist Dr Kumitaa Theva Das said.
She said, based on the evidence so far, it does not seem like there was a need to raise the alarm for the XBB.1.16 subvariant if Malaysians continued with practices to keep themselves and the people around them safe, despite a pre-print by Japan indicating that the XBB.1.16 subvariant was 1.2 times more transmissible than the XBB.1.5 subvariant (which was previously thought to be more transmissible).
This, she said, might explain why Malaysia was seeing an increase in cases, coinciding with the detection of this new variant.
"Over the past 14 days, all states have seen an increase in cases, ranging from 23.9 per cent in Johor to 355.4 per cent in Kelantan. Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have recorded more than 1,000 cases respectively in the past two weeks.
"However, there does not seem to be an increase in deaths, suggesting that the new variants may not be more severe," she told the New Straits Times.
She explained that new variants being detected just meant that a proper genomic surveillance was in place and the publich should adjust its practices accordingly.
The XBB.1.16 subvariant was first detected in Malaysia since late February/early March and had been reported in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Perak, Selangor and Terengganu.
The XBB.1.5 subvariant, which is also the most prevalent strain globally, was first detected in Malaysia late last year and had been found in all states since, while the XBB.1.9 was also first recorded in Malaysia at around the same time.
The new variant has been found in more than 20 countries so far, but only India is showing signs of a wave.
Elaborating, Dr Kumitaa, who is USM's Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute senior lecturer, said it did not seem like Malaysia had entered into a new wave of infection, because even though it was on an uptrend, there was no exponential growth yet.
"I believe the increase (in cases) also coincided with the reopening of schools (big groups and gatherings as a whole).
"I would say the trend (and practices) during the forthcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration will determine whether it becomes a wave or not. So, that period is when it is more crucial to us," she added.
Malaysia, according to Dr Kumitaa, has been seeing a slow increase in cases since early March, where the country was averaging close to 200 cases, to a little more than 700 cases now, in the span of six weeks.
She said, while Malaysia's numbers were not as high as Singapore and India, the country should still be extra cautious.
In those countries, the wave is being driven by a mix of the Omicron XBB subvariants -- XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9 and XBB.1.16.
These variants are categorised as variants under monitoring (VUM), which are variants that may have a significant impact on transmissibility, by WHO.
"We have been doing exceptionally well in fighting Covid-19. That is also why, despite other countries seeing a spike in cases and new waves every few months, we have not seen something similar since the Delta wave, and after our high vaccination uptake here in Malaysia.
"However, all it takes is for one person to be infected to spread the new variant from one state to another, or from one country to another.
"A recent study by Hong Kong showed that in unvaccinated individuals, variants of concerns, including Omicron, undergoes a high mutation rate, which leads to new variants. This is not seen in vaccinated individuals. In other words, as long as there are unvaccinated individuals, there will always be a possibility for new variants to develop," she said.
Asked on whether there was a need for a fresh round of booster doses, she noted that the people who benefitted the most from another round would be the elderly and those at higher risk (including those with co-morbidities and those who are immunocompromised).
She pointed that this was because immunity waned faster in these individuals, and getting a booster would increase their protection against severity.
The bivalent booster shots (designed to protect against Omicron variants), in particular, has been proven to provide long-lasting protection (more than six months after three or more doses in those not at high risk) against the newer Omicron variants, including XBB.
Meanwhile, Dr Kumitaa said, currently, the US also had 'Project Next Gen' in the pipeline, which is aimed at accelerating the development of vaccines, including vaccines that produced mucosal immunity (such as a nasal spray), and pan-coronavirus vaccines that would safeguard against new SARS-CoV-2 variants.
A recent study by the US provided insights into preventing indoor superspreading events.
It found that moderate to high mask compliance was most protective. Under low mask compliance, air filtering and long-breaks reduced the risk of infection. In other words, masks still are most protective.
However, a well-ventilated area is equally helpful.
Yesterday, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said there was no need to panic as the number of Covid-19 cases in the country was still under control.
She had said that the number of deaths due to Covid-19 was also still low, mostly involving the elderly and individuals with comorbidities.
Dr Zaliha had also advised members of the public to wear face masks if they experienced any symptoms.