{
  "id": 19582314,
  "title": "Covid-19 still circulating, but no cause for alarm, says virologist",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/covid-19-still-circulating-but-no-cause-for-alarm-says-virologist",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-12T01:02:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1575875/covid-19-still-circulating-no-cause-alarm-says-virologist"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Covid-19 continues to circulate, but there's no cause for alarm, according to virologist Dr Kumitaa Theva Das from Universiti Sains Malaysia's Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine. The virus follows its typical mutation patterns, with positive test sample rates fluctuating between one and four per cent throughout the year. At the start of the year, nearly four per cent of samples tested positive, dropping to one per cent in the middle of the year before rising again. This is significantly lower than the peak when 45 per cent of samples were positive.\n\nThe emerging PJ.2.1 strain, similar to a common cold or flu, is being monitored by the WHO. It's part of the Omicron family with minor mutations in its spike protein, but a recent study shows it's not more dangerous than previous variants. Malaysia has not yet recorded any PJ.2.1 cases, but this could be due to reduced testing rather than its absence. Vulnerable groups are advised to remain cautious, especially as the year-end holidays approach. While PJ.2.1 mainly affects those aged 70 and above, precautionary measures like wearing masks and avoiding gatherings with high-risk individuals if displaying flu-like symptoms are suggested. Despite these measures, Dr Das emphasized that there's no need for panic.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN: Covid-19 has never disappeared, and the recent uptick in cases reflects expected viral mutation cycles rather than a fresh health crisis.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}