August 18, 2022

‘Severe’ Covid subvariants BA.4, BA.5 raging now in Cambodia

More than 200 cases of Covid-19 infections have been reported in Cambodia including patients infected with the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants who are exhibiting severe symptoms.

A report by the Ministry of Health states that PCR testing has revealed 256 active Covid-19 cases in the Kingdom as of Tuesday.

Although there hasn’t been a recorded Covid-related death since April 20, Prime Minister Hun Sen said infections are still being reported in and some cases the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of Omicron have been detected.

“Some of the infected patients with BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants are showing severe symptoms compared to previous Omicron variants like BA.1 and BA.2,” he said.

He added, however, that their condition will not lead to death.

“The reduction in the number of deaths and the improving Covid-19 situation can be put down to vaccines. Even if BA.4 and BA.5 patients show severe symptoms, teams of medical professionals will prevent them from dying,” he said.

Even though some patients have the same infection, they are only showing minor symptoms.

The majority of recorded infected patients are receiving home therapy. Those who exhibit severe symptoms will be transferred to hospital, according to Mr Hun Sen.

He pointed out that if Covid-19 does not mutate further and monkeypox is contained, it will not be necessary to close schools like last year.

The premier added, therefore, vaccination against the virus is playing a crucial role in maintaining living in the “new normal” with Covid-19 virus.

Or Vandine, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health, refused to provide an update on the health of BA.4 and BA.5 patients, whose conditions, according to Mr Hun Sen, are severe but not life-threatening.

However, she said that, every booster dose, whether the third, fourth, or fifth, protects people from fatalities if they contract the virus and also strengthens their immunity to fight Covid-19.

She added that for individuals who have gotten their third dose, it is necessary to administer their fourth and fifth doses as well. If they skip their fourth dose, their immunity will begin to decline, which will be problematic once they become infected with the virus, particularly BA.4 and BA.5.

“Booster shots need to be administered three months apart,” she noted.

Vandine said that the Covid-19 vaccine is designed to protect lives and significantly reduce public health disasters, as well as enable society to function normally.

“By encouraging excellent health and preserving daily life despite the presence of the Covid-19 virus, vaccinations and booster doses will prevent the virus spreading. This will help to reduce a serious impact on public health as well,” Vandine added.