MOH: 97 influenza clusters detected in ME 40/2025

A total of 97 influenza A and B infection clusters were reported in Epidemiological Week (ME) 40/2025 compared with 14 clusters recorded in the previous week, with the majority involving educational institutions.

The Health Ministry said that all states recorded an increase, with the five highest being Selangor (43 clusters), Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (15), Penang (10), Johor (9), and Kedah (5).

“The majority of the clusters were reported in secondary schools (32), followed by primary schools (26), kindergartens (15), and private schools (9).

“This increase reflects the usual seasonal influenza transmission trend, which remains under control,” the ministry said in a statement yesterday.

It said that, although sentinel surveillance recorded an increase in Influenza-like illness (ILI) cases, along with a rise in the number of influenza clusters, the situation remains within the expected seasonal trend, and is under control.

The ministry said that the rate of hospitalisation for severe acute respiratory infection (Sari) cases showed a slight decrease, while laboratory surveillance confirmed that no new mutations were detected, with current transmissions caused by the Influenza A (H3) virus, a seasonal strain.

It added that monitoring at 58 sentinel health clinics nationwide recorded an increase in ILI cases, rising to 7.38 percent in ME40 compared with 5.95 percent the previous week.

“The ministry also wishes to clarify that laboratory tests are not routinely conducted for all ILI cases, as the majority are mildly symptomatic and can be clinically diagnosed without the need for laboratory confirmation.

“Treatment is given to high-risk patients, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women and individuals with chronic illnesses, who show symptoms of influenza infection.”

Get adequate rest

It added that generally, influenza usually resolves without specific treatment, and patients are advised to get adequate rest, drink plenty of water, and practice proper cough etiquette and personal hygiene to prevent spreading the infection to others.

For educational institutions, the ministry recommends that school authorities monitor students with symptoms, ensure they seek immediate treatment and are isolated, and notify the district health office promptly in the event of an increase in cases, to enable immediate control measures to be implemented.

“The ministry will continue to monitor the influenza situation nationwide and provide updates from time to time.

“In line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, efforts to control influenza are a shared responsibility among the government, community, educational institutions and the people, to ensure that children can learn safely, the elderly are protected, and society remains healthy and prosperous,” the ministry said.

A Special Education Integrated Programme class at SK Taman Permas Jaya 2, Masai, Johor, has been ordered to close for 10 days, starting yesterday, following an outbreak of influenza A.

State Education and Information Committee chairperson Aznan Tamin said that the decision was made after five students, a teacher, and a student management assistant tested positive for the infection, while 15 other students exhibited symptoms.

He said that all infected individuals have been instructed to undergo quarantine, starting yesterday.

“However, six teachers and two other student management assistants have tested negative, and are allowed to continue working as usual,” he said in a statement.

State Health and Environment Committee chairperson Ling Tian Soon, in a separate statement, said that the case involving SK Taman Permas Jaya 2 was the sixth influenza cluster recorded in the Johor Bahru district this year.

“For the whole of 2025 so far, six clusters have been recorded in Johor Bahru - four involving influenza A and two involving influenza B,” he said.

- Bernama

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