Ministry closely tracking Covid wave in Singapore - Dzulkefly

 

The Health Ministry is closely tracking the recent wave of a two-fold increase in Covid-19 cases which was reported by Singapore.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said on X today that the KP.1 and KP.2 sub-variants currently account for over two-thirds of Covid-19 cases in Singapore.

“In Malaysia, the reported number of Covid-19 cases in the week of May 12 to 18, 2024, was 1,230, compared with 1,071 cases in the prior week (an increase of 14.8 percent), and no new death from Covid-19 was reported since April 25.

“Regarding the circulating variants, we have reported KP.1.1 and KP.2.1 in March 2024, both with mild symptoms, and no report of any marked increase in Covid-19 cases,” he said.

Dzulkefly said his ministry will continue to monitor the situation and the national health system is prepared for any surge in cases.

He also reminded the public to maintain good personal hygiene, reduce social interactions when feeling unwell, and wear masks if they are in high-risk groups, in very crowded areas, or when symptomatic.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry announced data regarding the admission of Covid patients to healthcare facilities for the 20th Epidemiological Week (EW 20/2024) from May 12 to 18.

It said the occupancy rate of non-critical beds increased slightly from 0.08 percent to 0.10 percent, while the ICU bed occupancy rate decreased from 0.17 percent to 0.04 per cent.

“The Health Ministry continuously monitors the Covid-19 situation in Malaysia and globally.

“Following the recent wave in Singapore, which saw a two-fold increase in cases in the week of May 5 to 11, the ministry has heightened preparedness measures to address potential increase in cases in Malaysia,” it said.

It said the variant currently circulating in Malaysia remained the Omicron variant and its subvariants.

It said there has been one case each of KP.2.1 and KP.1.1 reported since March 2024, both are part of the Omicron family.

“Specifically, they are sublineages of JN.1.11.1. On May 3, the World Health Organisation listed KP.2 as a Currently Circulating Variant Under Monitoring (VUM).

“However, this variant has not led to severe infections in those affected,” it added.

- Bernama