Are younger folk dying because of new variants, MMA asks ministry

 

The Malaysian Medical Association says current data shows that more younger people are getting infected with Covid-19. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The health ministry has been urged by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) to confirm if the increasing number of deaths among the younger population is in any way linked to new Covid-19 variants.

An epidemiologist had said that 3.7% of Covid-19 deaths reported from March 31 to April 30 were among those aged 25 to 34, compared with 7.45% among those aged 35 to 44, and 11.2% among those between 45 and 54.

Dr Vinogiri KS also said in a letter to FMT that 10 of 19 deaths in the past month comprised those aged between 23 and 50 years. A recent death in Sarawak involved a 37-year-old man found unconscious at home.

MMA president Dr Subramaniam Muniandy said this was a concerning development as the newer variants were known to be more contagious while some could cause more severe symptoms, complications and even death.

He told FMT the health ministry should confirm if these new strains were linked to the rise in deaths among younger victims, particularly since they have already been detected in Malaysia.

“Current data shows that more younger people are getting infected with Covid-19. More severe symptoms and even death among younger patients are also increasing.

“Also, young people may get long-term Covid-19 effects which cause significant morbidity. Those affected by Covid-19 in India now are mostly younger people and reports show their symptoms are more severe,” he said.

Noting that comorbidities could be a factor contributing to the rise in deaths among younger individuals, Subramaniam said another risk factor would be if they were smokers.

Since Covid-19 is a respiratory disease, he advised them to stop smoking in view of the risk of developing more severe symptoms from the virus.

He warned younger individuals against being relaxed about practising Covid-19 SOPs simply because they were less prone to developing complications from the virus.

“We should assume that the new variants of Covid-19 are around us and that we can all be at risk of more severe symptoms and even death if we fail to take preventive measures.

“The SOPs are still key and will need to be strictly observed. We should leave no chance for the virus to have a new host.”

He said it would also help if the government begins Phase 3 of the National Immunisation Programme earlier than planned, and for vaccine developers to “update their vaccines” to be more effective against the newer variants.

Subramaniam also urged younger people to register for vaccination and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. - FMT