Over 57% increase in Covid-19 cases, says ministry

KUALA LUMPUR: There has been a 57.3% increase in Covid-19 cases with the majority of them (48%) comprising those aged between 20 and 40, as shown by the Health Ministry’s latest report.

“Of the cases, 98% of them have shown only mild symptoms,” Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said when quoting figures in the 47th epidemiological week (ME47/2023) from Nov 19 to 25.

The 57.3% constituted 3,626 cases, a hike from the 2,305 cases reported in ME46/2023 (Nov 12-18).

“The weekly cases detected have exceeded 1,000 every week from ME41/2023 to ME47/2023, with an increase rate of between 7.1% and 57.3%.

“Eight active Covid-19 clusters have been reported with a total of 121 cases involved.

“The cumulative number of clusters reported up to ME47/2023 is 7,248. A majority are clusters involving the education sector,” Dr Muhammad Radzi said in a statement yesterday.

He added that the admission rate of Covid-19 patients to health facilities increased to 2.9% per 100,000 of the population during ME47/2023 compared to 2% during ME46/2023.

“This figure includes suspected cases as well as confirmed infections,” he said.

In ME47/2023, four new Omicron variants were reported.

“These all consist of variants of concern (VOC),” said Dr Muhammad Radzi.

“The cumulative cases infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus categorised as VOC and variant of interest (VOI) are 28,102 cases (27,297 VOC; 805 VOI).”

The World Health Organisation has reported a rise in new Omicron variants, with BA.2.86 first reported on July 24.

“It is classified as a VOI and there are almost 46 countries that have reported that variant.

“However, there are no clinical changes and severity caused due to it.

He added that two cases of BA.2.86 have been reported at this point.

“The cases were detected through symptom screening and have no history of going abroad within 14 days of the symptoms.

“They have been treated as outpatients and are in stable condition.

“Although there is an increase in Covid-19 cases, the situation is under control. The ministry will continue to monitor the situation and variants.

“Health workers at public and private health facilities have been urged to be on the alert with the increasing number of cases, especially of patients with acute respiratory symptoms and in high-risk groups,” he said.

He reminded the public to practise preventive measures, including maintaining a high level of personal hygiene.