Collecting a sample for COVID-19 testing in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)Epidemiologist Professor Datuk Dr Awang Bulgiba Awang Mahmudof Universiti Malaya said although a variant may not be a Variant of HighConsequence, it can still wreak havoc by being more transmissible or morevirulent, either of which can cause it to be categorised as a Variant ofConcern (VOC).
According to the expert, if it is more transmissible, it canspread so quickly that it overwhelms the health services, resulting insub-optimal services and hence, increased morbidity and mortality. If it ismore virulent, it can cause a higher degree of morbidity among those infected,which in itself can cause more deaths or a longer-lasting illness.
The Mu variant, also known as lineage B.1.621, was firstidentified in Colombia in January.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) had, on August 30,designated Mu as a Variant Of Interest (VOI) after it was detected in 39countries, making it the fifth VOI after Eta, Iota, Kappa and Lambda. WHO, inits COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update published on August 31, said the Mu variant"has a constellation of mutations that indicate potential properties ofimmune escape".
Awang Bulgiba, who is Chairman of the Science, Technology and InnovationMinistry's Covid-19 Epidemiological Analysis and Strategies Task Force, said efforts needed to be taken to boost preparedness, which includedimplementing a robust quarantine procedure for incoming travellers.
Malaysia needed a clear pandemic management strategy,greater granular data transparency, engagement with experts outside the healthministry, and long-term investment in its own vaccine technology, he added.
Molecular virologist Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam, a seniorlecturer (microbiology) at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and HealthSciences in Monash University Malaysia, called on the nation to stay vigilantand tighten control, testing at borders and monitoring this developmentclosely./.
VNA
