Exco: Kenduri in KL linked to B.1.351 variant emergence in Kelantan

 

The spread of the B.1.351 variant of Covid-19 in Kelantan could have been caused by a person who attended a kenduri in Kuala Lumpur recently.

According to Kelantan Local Government, Housing and Health executive councillor Dr Izani Husin, there are 10 cases involving the strain from the Bunut Sarang Burung cluster.

"For cases involving the B.1.351 variant, we have traced it to (incidents of) border crossings," Izani said.

Preliminary studies have shown that the B.1.351 variant, first detected in South Africa, may render some Covid-19 vaccines less effective.

The Health Ministry has detected the B.1.351 variant cases in the country since March.

Meanwhile, Izani (above) said that the presence of the B.1.351 variant in the state was shocking because it could be more dangerous than the original Covid-19 virus.

He said that the variant might spread faster and cause more damage to the body.

"Therefore, I urge everyone, including VIPs, not to cross borders unless they have a valid reason," he said. - Mkini