Latest news with #SharifaEzatWanPuteh
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Omicron subvariants more contagious, public urged to stay vigilant
KUALA LUMPUR: The emergence of subvariants derived from the Omicron strain of Covid-19, which are more contagious, has led to a surge in cases in neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Singapore. As a result, public health experts are urging Malaysians to remain cautious and adopt preventive measures similar to those practised during the peak of the pandemic, especially among high-risk groups. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia community health specialist Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said subvariants such as LP.8.1 and NB.1.8.1 are more transmissible, although they do not appear to cause severe illness compared to earlier variants. "These subvariants are classified as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organisation (WHO). "If infected, the symptoms are generally mild, such as cough, cold, and low-grade fever, and most people recover within a few days. "However, we cannot predict when a more severe variant might emerge, so it's important to continue self-monitoring and remain vigilant," she said. Recently, both Thailand and Singapore have reported a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases. Thailand recorded 65,880 new cases and three deaths between May 25 and May 30, while Singapore reported an estimated 14,200 cases from April 27 to May 3 —up from 11,100 the previous week — with 133 hospital admissions. In Malaysia, Melaka reported a more than 20 per cent increase in Covid-19 cases last week, with 93 new cases recorded in Epidemiological Week 23 (June 1–7). Dr Sharifa Ezat advised the public to wear face masks in crowded places, especially when travelling abroad, and to maintain good personal hygiene. "High-risk groups such as individuals with comorbidities, the elderly, pregnant women, and children should be especially careful. Even common symptoms like a cough or mild fever can escalate in these groups," she added. Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia senior lecturer and public health specialist Dr Mohd Hafiz Jaafar, said increased public awareness has made it easier to detect Covid-19 cases. "Additionally, recent activities such as school holidays and festive celebrations have contributed to increased movement and interaction. "However, the overall impact does not appear to require widespread hospitalisation, as most cases involve only symptom management," he said.
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Omnicron subvariants more contagious, public urged to stay vigilant
KUALA LUMPUR: The emergence of subvariants derived from the Omicron strain of Covid-19, which are more contagious, has led to a surge in cases in neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Singapore. As a result, public health experts are urging Malaysians to remain cautious and adopt preventive measures similar to those practised during the peak of the pandemic, especially among high-risk groups. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia community health specialist Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said subvariants such as LP.8.1 and NB.1.8.1 are more transmissible, although they do not appear to cause severe illness compared to earlier variants. "These subvariants are classified as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organisation (WHO). "If infected, the symptoms are generally mild, such as cough, cold, and low-grade fever, and most people recover within a few days. "However, we cannot predict when a more severe variant might emerge, so it's important to continue self-monitoring and remain vigilant," she said. Recently, both Thailand and Singapore have reported a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases. Thailand recorded 65,880 new cases and three deaths between May 25 and May 30, while Singapore reported an estimated 14,200 cases from April 27 to May 3 —up from 11,100 the previous week — with 133 hospital admissions. In Malaysia, Melaka reported a more than 20 per cent increase in Covid-19 cases last week, with 93 new cases recorded in Epidemiological Week 23 (June 1–7). Dr Sharifa Ezat advised the public to wear face masks in crowded places, especially when travelling abroad, and to maintain good personal hygiene. "High-risk groups such as individuals with comorbidities, the elderly, pregnant women, and children should be especially careful. Even common symptoms like a cough or mild fever can escalate in these groups," she added. Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia senior lecturer and public health specialist Dr Mohd Hafiz Jaafar, said increased public awareness has made it easier to detect Covid-19 cases. "Additionally, recent activities such as school holidays and festive celebrations have contributed to increased movement and interaction. "However, the overall impact does not appear to require widespread hospitalisation, as most cases involve only symptom management," he said.
The Star
08-06-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Malaysia at risk of deadly humidity threat
PETALING JAYA: It's not merely the heat – it's the humidity that poses a lethal threat. Experts warn of a wet-bulb temperature (WBT) threat as Malaysia sweats through a silent, rising danger. And with the heat expected to rise in the coming months, Malaysians should be prepared to deal with this lesser-known but deadly phenomenon. A patient's core body temperature will normally rise to dangerous or even fatal levels in a matter of hours, according to the experts. Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) said studies have shown that WBT can occur even when the temperature is as low as 31°C. 'The US National Weather Service considers WBT temperatures of 31°C or higher to be in 'extreme danger'. This is considered relatively low, and it supports the idea that the human body's ability to cope with heat stress is compromised even at lower thresholds than once believed,' she said when contacted yesterday. Sharifa said that certain groups are more susceptible to the dangers of WBT, such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, outdoor workers and individuals with underlying health comorbidities. 'Staying in shaded areas, hydrating frequently, limiting physical exertion and outdoor exposure, and wearing light, breathable clothing may reduce the risk of hyperthermia (internal body temperature rising),' she added. Sharifa suggested that the respective agencies work together to alert the public to the dangers of extreme heat exposure and WBT. 'The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) should also advise officers to keep workers out of open areas that are exposed to heat, wind or humidity,' she added. CLICK TO ENLARGE Sustained temperatures between 31°C and about 35°C, along with humidity levels above 90%, are known to cause WBT in a specific area. It is considered extreme hyperthermia and often fatal if the core body temperature reaches 42°C and above. On June 2, the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a Level 1 advisory after six areas in Peninsular Malaysia experienced maximum daily temperatures of between 35°C and 37°C for three consecutive days. Universiti Malaya (UM) public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Victor Hoe voiced concern over the prolonged heat and humidity the nation is currently facing, which is expected to last through the coming months. 'What we're facing is more than just uncomfortable weather. 'This is a growing public health and safety concern that requires attention, empathy and coordinated action,' he said when contacted. Hoe said that a person's body will naturally regulate internal temperature by producing sweat, which cools the body when it evaporates. 'But when the air is very humid, sweat doesn't evaporate efficiently. This reduces our body's ability to cool down, leading to overheating, which can be dangerous or even deadly,' he said. Signs to watch for heat exhaustion or heatstroke include tiredness, dizziness, nausea, confusion, rapid pulses and unconsciousness. Hoe urged the public to remain adequately hydrated by drinking water consistently throughout the day. 'Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, such as between 12pm and 3pm. 'Wear loose, light-coloured clothing and stay in shaded or air-conditioned areas. 'Check in with elderly neighbours or family members, especially those living alone,' he said. UM's vice-chancellor (research & innovation) Prof Dr Sanjay Rampal described WBT as a public health threat which may happen even if temperatures are lower than 35°C. 'Currently, MetMalaysia's three-tier alert system focuses only on dry-bulb temperature but does not account for the role of humidity. We may consider a heat index that combines temperature and humidity measurements,' he suggested. Dr Sanjay added that MetMalaysia should work in collaboration with relevant agencies by providing them with meteorological data, which could then be translated into specific health advisories for the general public. In response to the rising temperatures, Dr Sanjay cautioned parents against leaving their children or elderly relatives unattended in parked vehicles.
New Straits Times
04-06-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Public warned of heatstroke as hot spell continues
KUALA LUMPUR: The recent extreme heat affecting several districts in Malaysia is due to the Southwest Monsoon, which typically brings less rainfall nationwide and leads to higher temperatures during dry periods. Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the hot conditions are expected to continue until September. However, he said temperatures are likely to return to normal in the coming days as more areas are forecast to receive rain in the early mornings and late afternoons. "The country is currently experiencing the Southwest Monsoon, during which rainfall generally decreases across most areas. "However, thunderstorms and heavy rain may still occur from time to time, especially in the western peninsula, northern Sarawak and western Sabah in the morning, and inland areas in the evening or at night," he said. He was responding to recent reports which said six districts — Bandar Baharu (Kedah), Larut, Matang, Kuala Kangsar and Perak Tengah (Perak), as well as Machang and Kuala Krai (Kelantan) — recorded daily maximum temperatures of 35°C to 37°C for three consecutive days. These areas have been classified under Level 1 (Alert). The situation has raised concerns among public health experts and residents. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh warned that heatstroke could be fatal, particularly for the elderly, children, pregnant women and those who are obese. In Kampung Labok, Machang, resident Syahman Kamaruddin, 44, said his family had to bathe several times a day, even at night, due to the heat. He also reported murky tap water in the area Mohd Hisham advised the public to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor activity to reduce health risks. "Open burning should also be avoided, as it can contribute to haze and environmental pollution. "For the latest weather updates, visit MetMalaysia's website, use the myCuaca mobile app, or follow our social media platforms," he said. For further information, the public may contact MetMalaysia's hotline at 1-300-22-1638.
The Star
03-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Surge in Covid-19 cases recorded
Virus making a comeback in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and US PETALING JAYA: As society becomes more relaxed about the perceived threat of Covid-19, the coronavirus has started to resurge in many countries, leading to an increase in reported cases. Between May 25 and 30, Thailand reported 65,880 new Covid-19 cases with three fatalities. Indonesia's Health Ministry issued a public health advisory following a resurgence of cases in several Asian countries. It urged citizens to remain vigilant and adopt precautionary measures. Both Hong Kong and the United States have reported an uptick in Covid-19 cases linked to the NB.1.8.1 variant. Singapore reported over 14,000 cases between Apr 27 and May 3. In Malaysia, the Health Ministry said an average of 600 cases were reported each week between Apr 14 and May 10. Malaysia reported over 11,000 cases between Jan 1 and May 10. These are the last available numbers released by the ministry. Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's professor of Public Health Medicine, said people have become lax as Covid-19 is no longer seen as a major threat now. People should be aware of the mutation of the virus and the new variants that would appear, she added. 'The most recent designated variant under monitoring (VUM) is NB.1.8.1, and it is considered highly transmissible but does not indicate higher virulence, or risk of hospitalisation or deaths. It has been stated that the current vaccine's coverage also covers the current strain and those at high risk such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with high comorbidity need to be vigilant,' she added. She said high-risk groups should wear a mask when they are outdoors or if they develop symptoms. Those with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) should not miss their medication schedule. 'If you have Covid-19-like symptoms, it could also be adenovirus (usually mild), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and/or influenza,' she said. This can be determined by testing for Covid-19, or by visiting your healthcare provider for treatment and admission if necessary. 'The symptoms may mimic each other, or you can catch two diseases at the same time which is rare, but can occur,' she added. She said this new variant seems to cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache and gastrointestinal distress. 'Besides antigen testing, you may need to get a chest X-ray and blood test for confirmation to rule out pneumonia. Covid generally presents as non threatening symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection and no need to follow up with MySejahtera app (like before),' she said. Former Health Ministry official and public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the rise in cases could be due to decreasing immunity either from natural infection or immunisation and people no longer observing precautionary measures like before. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on May 28 that since February, global SARS-CoV-2 activity has been on the rise, with the test positivity rate reaching 11% - levels that have not been observed since July 2024. 'This rise is primarily observed in countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions. Since early 2025, global SARS-CoV-2 variant trends have slightly shifted. Circulation of LP.8.1 has been declining, and reporting of NB.1.8.1, a VUM, is increasing, reaching 10.7% of global sequences reported as of mid-May.' Recent increases in SARS-CoV-2 activity are broadly consistent with levels observed during the same period last year. However, there still lacks a clear seasonality in SARS-CoV-2 circulation, and surveillance is limited, it said. WHO also advised all member states to continue monitoring and applying a risk-based and integrated approach to managing Covid-19.
