Jakarta Detects 2 Cases of COVID-19 Variant Arcturus

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta Health Agency detected two cases of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron XBB.1.16 subvariant, also known as Arcturus. The agency’s head of the epidemiology and immunization surveillance unit, Ngabila Salama, said that one of the patients had a history of traveling abroad.

"Yes, [one of the patients just traveled from] India and arrived in Jakarta on March 16, 2023. The patient had received three doses of vaccine," Ngabila said on Friday, April 14, 2023.

Ngabila explained that the first patient infected with the Arcturus subvariant was a 56-year-old man who lives in South Jakarta. He experienced mild symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, and muscle aches.

Patients also have comorbidities, namely hypertension. After self-isolation at home, the patient is now recovered.

The second patient is a 30-year-old woman who lives in a rented house in North Jakarta. She had no history of overseas travel in recent times. "Her symptoms are fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, sore throat, dry cough, and anosmia just appeared while being treated at the hospital," Ngabila explained.

The patient recovered after being hospitalized for six days. Ngabila added that her side had traced residents who had close contact with the patients.

Following the finding of two cases of the Arcturus subvariant, the Jakarta Health Agency appealed to people experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to seek treatment at the nearest health center. These symptoms include coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion, anosmia, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

"Regardless of the COVID-19 variant, don't panic. Strengthen immunity by exercising a healthy lifestyle and getting vaccines," Ngabila underlined.

AMY HEPPY

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