First Detection of Indian Variant in Malaysia... Spreading to Neighboring Countries

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] Malaysia's health authorities have reported the first detection of the India-origin COVID-19 variant (B.1.617), causing health authorities across Southeast Asia to become highly alert. The India-origin variant has already been reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) to have spread to at least 17 countries, and is estimated to be very dangerous due to its significantly higher transmissibility compared to the original COVID-19 and suspected immune evasion capabilities.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press on the 2nd (local time), Malaysia's Ministry of Health announced that the India-origin variant was detected for the first time within the country. The Ministry reported that the variant was found in an Indian national visitor who entered through Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and that variants from South Africa and the UK were also detected. The exact date when the India-origin variant was first discovered was not disclosed.

Earlier, the WHO stated at the end of last month that the India-origin variant had already spread to at least 17 countries, and emphasized the need for special caution as the variant is highly transmissible compared to the original COVID-19 and raises concerns about immune evasion. According to the WHO, some strains of the India-origin variant are known to reduce immunity by approximately 10-46% against existing vaccines.

The India-origin variant was first discovered by the Indian medical community in February and its risks were reported to Indian health authorities, but the Indian government was criticized for ignoring it at the time, which led to widespread transmission. By February, the daily confirmed COVID-19 cases in India had dropped below 10,000, prompting the government to significantly ease quarantine measures. The variant response was inadequate as the Hindu spring festival and local elections began in March.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.