Asymptomatic cases detected in Selangor

Asymptomatic cases in Selangor
Selangor sees majority of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases. 
Image adapted from: Free Malaysia Today

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, asymptomatic COVID-19 cases were classified as a rarity by the World Health Organisation (WHO). But that doesn’t seem to be the case now as we’re moving into Phase 3 of extended Movement Control Order (MCO).

With Selangor clocking the most COVID-19 cases in Malaysia at a whopping 1,329 cases, a state-wide COVID-19 screening was called upon by the Selangor government. This began in the Red Zone district of Hulu Langat, with results showing that 80% of positive cases have been showing no symptoms. 

Community screening shows symptom-free cases

Hulu Langat currently takes top spot for the most cases in Selangor, with 446 cases and a jump of 76 cases in a week since 10th April.

According to Bernama, mass COVID-19 screening began in the area as a result, with 649 samples taken from individuals in just 2 days on 11th and 12th April 2020. It targeted the elderly and at-risk individuals with previous health conditions.

COVID-19 cases in MalaysiaAs seen in KKM’s update, the majority of districts in Selangor and KL are classified Red Zones, as of 16th April 2020.
Image credit: KKM 

Of the 649 samples taken, it turned out that 4 out of 5 individuals who tested positive were asymptomatic. This means they have not been showing any symptoms like a fever, cough, and sore throat but are still carriers of the virus.

This follows after a New Straits Times report on 13th April 2020 that over 88% of all confirmed cases in Malaysia have been showing as either asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. Bloomberg also reported that a majority of cases in China followed the same pattern.

FrontlinersImage credit: Noor Hisham Abdullah

Not all bad news, Hulu Langat reported only 4 new cases on 16th April 2020, according to KKM. This shows that these community screenings have been important in catching symptom-free cases so no one goes undetected for COVID-19. 

Asymptomatic cases in Selangor

The unsettling number of asymptomatic cases goes to show how important social distancing is. After all, no one wants to be carriers of the virus, only to pass it on to vulnerable individuals like the elderly and those with a history of chronic illnesses. 

Phase 3 of the MCO may be well underway in curbing the movement of errant MCO violators. And with small wins such as a decreasing number of cases each day, Malaysia seems to have a pretty good chance of overcoming this virus. But with many cases in Malaysia now testing out asymptomatic, it’s important to buckle down and follow MCO orders so we can finally have virus-free streets. 

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