COVID-19 variant B. 1617.2 or the delta variant has spread in Kudus Regency, Central Java. This was confirmed by the results of the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) examination conducted by the Genetics Working Group (Pokja) of the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing (FKKMK) released on June 11.
Head of the Genetics Working Group of FKKMK UGM, Dr. Gunadi explained that of the 34 samples examined, 28 of them were confirmed as delta variants. The case that occurred in Kudus shows that there is a high possibility of local transmission of the delta variant.
“Several cases were previously detected, but they were random, and now they have become clusters in the Kudus area. This means that there is a high probability that local transmission has occurred in Indonesia, especially in Kudus. It does not rule out the possibility of local transmissions also coming out of Kudus,” he explained, Monday (14/6).
Gunadi said WHO had appointed the delta variant as a Variant of Concern (VoC) on 31 May 2021 because it had a major impact on global public health. This variant is included in the VoC category as it fulfills one or more of the three impacts, namely transmission power, patient severity, and effects on the immune system.
The delta variant has been shown to have two effects. It is more infectious and affects the response of the human immune system. Such rapid transmission has occurred in India and Kudus itself.
“The delta variant can reduce the response of our immune system to COVID-19 infection, both the immune response caused by natural infections and vaccines,” he explained.
Given the serious impact of the delta variant, Gunadi asked the public to remain disciplined in carrying out the COVID-19 prevention health protocols (prokes). This applies to all people in the country, including those who have been vaccinated as re-infection is still possible even after being vaccinated.
“Prokes must be tightly implemented. Even after getting vaccinated, you have to follow prokes,” he said.
