The BA.5 strain is likely to have broken out in the country as new cases and hospital admissions are both on the rise in a single day, according to a message from Health Minister. The latest week in the country saw a 31% increase in new cases and a 13.7% increase in hospital admissions compared to last week.
The consultant in clinical microbiology at Universiti Putra Malaysia believes that the BA.5 strain evades antibodies produced by existing vaccines and that existing vaccines are less effective against the BA.5 strain.
The symptoms of BA.5 and Omicron are similar, and BA.5 is more transmissible. If people are not vigilant and do not take precautions, there will be an increase in the number of hospital admissions for high-risk groups.
Public are urged to wear mask when going into crowded areas and to remember to disinfect often.
