فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Dr. Tayeb Hamdi, a researcher in health system policies, stated that the new COVID-19 variant known as MB 181, which emerged in early 2025 and spread widely across Asia, does not pose a significant threat to public health and does not warrant widespread concern among the vast majority of the population.
In an interview with Telquel Express, Dr. Hamdi explained that studies conducted so far in China, where the variant appeared and has circulated for over a year, have not shown any increase in severity compared to previous variants, including Omicron. He emphasized, “There is no cause for concern regarding the healthcare system or public health in general.”
He pointed out that the greatest concern should focus on vulnerable groups, especially elderly people over 75 years old, individuals with severe immune deficiencies, and those undergoing organ transplants who are on immunosuppressive medications. Dr. Hamdi stressed that these groups need to receive booster vaccinations regularly because their immunity declines rapidly, making them more susceptible to complications.
Dr. Hamdi also noted that most people in Morocco have acquired immunity either through vaccination or previous infections, providing good protection even against new variants. He added that while the new virus may spread widely, it is unlikely to cause severe medical cases requiring intensive hospitalization or increase mortality rates, except among vulnerable groups who must be carefully protected.
He further highlighted that the World Health Organization has not yet declared the end of the pandemic, as no new variant has emerged that can fully replace previous ones with a lower risk, which means vigilance remains essential, especially for at-risk populations.
He concluded by saying, “We must maintain alertness and ensure that vulnerable groups receive booster doses of vaccines, while the general public can approach this phase with calm and confidence.”
