Kuala Muda: An Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cluster has been detected by the Kuala Muda District Health Office (PKD) involving students at an educational institution in Kuala Muda, Kedah, with 28 cases identified out of 158 exposed students, resulting in an attack rate of 17.7 per cent.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Health (MOH) stated that six of the 28 cases had tested positive for Influenza A. These students received treatment at Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital in Sungai Petani and have since been discharged. The remaining 22 symptomatic students received outpatient treatment.
The statement further explained that the PKD, along with the State Health Department, has implemented control and prevention measures. These include conducting environmental investigations, risk assessments at the camp site, active case detection at the educational institution, treatment and isolation of symptomatic cases, and ongoing monitoring of ILI cases in Kuala Muda.
The MOH also detailed an incident on April 23, where the Kuala Muda PKD was notified of a 14-year-old male student from the same institution who developed fever and body aches on April 18 after attending a two-day Jati Diri Camp at a recreation centre in Yan district.
Additionally, a staff member began experiencing similar symptoms on April 17. Both were admitted to Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital and are in stable condition. Tests confirmed that neither case resulted from an Influenza virus infection, and investigations into their illnesses continue.
The MOH has reminded the public to adhere to preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing, practising good cough etiquette, and wearing face masks, particularly among high-risk groups. Immediate medical attention is advised for those experiencing prolonged symptoms such as fever, cough, or cold.
On April 26, media reports highlighted that 39 individuals, including Form Two students and staff from a secondary school in Kuala Muda, reported developing fever, cough, and skin rashes after attending a training camp in Yan. Reports also indicated that around 100 students who participated in activities at the camp recently showed symptoms of infectious disease.