Two Cases Of New Virus Mutation Infect Migrant Workers Returning From Malaysia

ILUSTRASI/VOI

JAKARTA - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said there are currently two new cases of COVID-19 virus mutation based on whole genome sequencing (WGS) examination.

"Last week we found two more new mutations. Both occurred in East Java," Budi said in a Youtube broadcast of the Presidential Secretariat, Monday, May 17.

Budi said that these two new cases infect Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) who come from Malaysia. One person was infected with the B117 virus from England and another person was infected with B1351 from South Africa.

With the findings of additional cases of bari variants in Indonesia, Budi asked the public to implement strict health protocols to avoid a potential spike in cases in Indonesia. Because, COVID-19 mutation has faster transmission capability.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the transmission of this variant is higher. Therefore, all we have to do as ordinary people is make sure the health protocols are adhered to. Wear a mask especially," he said.

Previously, there were 16 cases of viral mutation in Indonesia. A total of 13 cases are variants of B117, 2 cases of B1617, and 1 case of B1351. A total of 10 cases were brought by travelers from abroad and 4 cases of B117 were local transmissions.

Specialist in internal medicine Iris Rengganis said, currently the mutation of the virus in Indonesia is still in small quantities. But, it does not close the possibility that mutations will develop into large if the public does not comply with health protocols.

"With mutations we must be careful. Because of mutations or strains of this new virus faster transmission. If people do not maintain health protocols the transmission will be faster and bring about a second wave," said Rengganis.

Immunology allergy consultants say that if mutations are still small, the government can still control them. Considering, covid-19 vaccination is already running.

However, if the transmission of the COVID-19 mutation occurs massively and results in a sharp spike in cases, there are other adverse effects. That is, vaccinations should be constantly updated.