Detection of 3 cases of BA.4 variant sparks fears of new Covid wave

While COVID-19 cases in Mauritius are gradually dropping, health authorities have reportedly gone on high alert again after three cases of the BA.4 variant of the Omicron have just been detected among travellers returning from South Africa.

The three Mauritians have reportedly been isolated even if they have not displayed any “worrying symptoms”.

According to Defi Media, authorities have stepped up surveillance on flights from Johannesburg.

It said the Ministry of Health is also waiting for the sequencing results for 200 blood samples from patients who have been tested positive for COVID-19.

The BA.4 and BA.% variants are considered as a “worrisome variant” and are reportedly “under close surveillance” of the World Health Organisation.

BA.4 and BA.5 variants have been detected in South Africa, Botswana, Belgium, Denmark, the U.S., France, the UK and Switzerland.

Mauritius has reportedly been hit by six waves so far. 15 new cases were reported on Wednesday 18 May, bringing the total active cases to 318.

The coronavirus has officially claimed 1,134 lives in Mauritius so far.