We are still processing the screening (of patients with the symptom) through genome sequencing
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta Health Office noted that red eyes is one of the new symptoms found in COVID-19 patients infected with the XBB.1.16 or Arcturus subvariant.

"Based on data in India, the Arcturus subvariant, which is still a derivative of Omicron, is said to have a new symptom that is different from other variants, namely red eyes," the office's Head of Surveillance and Immunization Section, Ngabila Salama, stated through a text message here on Saturday.

Salama explained that the symptom of red eyes is followed by eye discharge, loud cough, and chest pain akin to a sharp pull.

Regarding the previous finding of two Arcturus patients in Jakarta, the duo did not exhibit the symptom of red eyes. However, several COVID-19 patients with the symptom of red eyes had received treatment in hospitals.

"We are still processing the screening (of patients with the symptom) through genome sequencing," she revealed.

Salama underlined that as long as the trend of treatment in hospitals and death cases do not increase, the COVID-19 pandemic situation, especially in Jakarta, should be safe and under control.

Nevertheless, she appealed to all parties to increase alertness against the transmission of Arcturus that has entered Indonesia. This is because based on the situation in India -- as one of the countries that experienced a surge in cases due to Arcturus -- the variant largely infects children.

According to Salama, there has been no significant increase in COVID-19 cases among children caused by Arcturus in Jakarta.

To avoid severe symptoms and prevent an increase in bed occupancy rate (BOR), she appealed to parents to complete the vaccination.

Children aged 12-17 can receive two vaccine doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Meanwhile, people aged 18 years and above can get up to four doses of the vaccine by Pfizer, Indovac, and Inavac.

"Stay alert against the new variant of COVID-19. Do not panic, but it is advisable to keep complying with health protocols by wearing a mask to prevent illness with severe symptoms and fatality," she emphasized.

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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
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