Two Arcturus Cases Found In Indonesia, Ministry Of Health: Patients Experience Mild Symptoms

Health workers injected a four-dose vaccine at Jakarta City Hall, Tuesday (24/1/2023) (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ministry of Health detected two cases of Omicron XBB.1.16 or Arcturus in Indonesia based on the results of genome sequencing searches at the end of March 2023. "Until now, two cases (Arcturus, ed.) have been found," said Spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Health Mohammad Syahril who was confirmed as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, April 13. However, he did not explain further regarding the domicile or history experienced by the patient. Separately, the Head of the Communication and Public Service Bureau of the Ministry of Health Siti Nadia Tarmizi said two cases of Arcturus were found in Indonesia through genome sequencing in the fourth week of March 2023. "The patients experienced all mild symptoms," he said. Separately, the Specialist of Diseases in Oncology Subspecification Hematology Prof. Zubairi Djoerban said Arcturus was identified in India in January 2023 and became the trigger of a spike in cases in the local area. "Currently the case is found in Indonesia. Arcturus could 'los' from vaccination antibodies and natural infections," he said.

He said that until now the Arcturus case had been detected in 20 countries, including Indonesia. "The symptoms are lighter and people don't need to panic," he said.