Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Sep 21, 2025 5 months, 3 days, 18 hours, 4 minutes ago
Medical News: XFG Emerges in Malaysia’s Genomic Data
Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has confirmed that the new COVID-19 variant known as XFG is now circulating and has been detected in 8.2 percent of reported cases. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad explained that genomic surveillance shows this Omicron sub-variant is rising but not associated with increased severity. At the same time, Malaysia has to date recorded 43,087 COVID-19 cases in 2025 so far, a significant reduction compared to the same period last year. In this
Medical News report, experts note that while the new sub-variant has been flagged, officials emphasize there is no cause for alarm.
New COVID-19 XFG Variant Spreading in Malaysia
Comparative Spread of Variants
According to the Health Ministry, XFG accounts for 8.2 percent of infections, while JN.1 still remains dominant at 18.1 percent and XEC follows at 13.3 percent. The variant NB 1.8.1 has also emerged strongly, making up between 34 and 39.4 percent of sequenced cases. These findings reflect the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 viral landscape where sub-lineages continuously replace one another. The World Health Organization has already listed XFG as a “variant under monitoring” due to its potential for higher transmissibility and immune evasion. However, local authorities in Malaysia stress that no increase in deaths or hospital admissions linked to the new strain has been observed.
In week 35, 594 new COVID-19 cases were detected across Malaysia.
Disease Severity and Fatalities
Health Minister Dzulkefly pointed out that so far in 2025, only three COVID-19 fatalities have been recorded, including the most recent case of a 91-year-old bedridden patient with underlying conditions. The data suggests that while XFG spreads effectively, it does not appear to cause more serious respiratory complications compared to earlier Omicron lineages. Nevertheless, genomic surveillance remains active to detect any sudden shifts in pathogenicity.
Government Guidance for the Public
Officials continue to encourage preventive measures such as mask usage in crowded areas, vaccination for high-risk groups, and early treatment if symptoms arise. Dzulkefly reassured the population that Malaysia’s Ministry of Health is maintaining strict vigilance while avoiding unnecessary public alarm. He stressed that proactive monitoring of viral mutations allows the health system to prepare for any potential outbreaks while keeping the public informed.
Broader Implications
The detection of XFG underscores how COVID-19 continues to evolve with new sub-variants, even as overall case numbers decline. Malaysia’s halving of total infections compared to last year highlights the effectiveness of ongoing public health measures, but the emergence of XFG demonstrates the pandemic’s ongoing unpredictability. With the virus continuing to mutate, scientists and health officials must remain alert to both subtle and significant shifts in its behavi
or. The combination of high transmissibility, immune evasion, and global travel could still create challenges ahead, making sustained monitoring and preventive measures critical for safeguarding communities.
The appearance of the XFG variant shows that while the global COVID-19 crisis has entered a more controlled phase, the virus remains capable of surprise. Public health vigilance, widespread vaccination, and responsible community behavior are essential to prevent further disruption. Malaysia’s example shows that transparent genomic tracking and communication are key tools in managing uncertainty while keeping both local and global populations informed and protected.
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-positivity-rates-surge-to-10-8-percent-in-america-with-0-8-percent-of-deaths-now-attributable-to-covid-19
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