Kuala lumpur: A total of 97 influenza A and B infection clusters were reported in Epidemiological Week 40/2025, an increase from the 14 clusters recorded the previous week, with a significant number involving educational institutions. The Ministry of Health (MOH) stated that all states experienced an increase in clusters, with the highest numbers reported in Selangor (43 clusters), Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (15), Penang (10), Johor (nine), and Kedah (five).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the majority of these clusters were identified in secondary schools (32), followed by primary schools (26), kindergartens (15), and private schools (nine). The ministry noted that this rise is consistent with the typical seasonal influenza transmission trend, which remains manageable. Although sentinel surveillance reported an increase in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases alongside the rise in clusters, the overall situation aligns with expected seasonal patterns and remains under control.
The MOH highlighted that the hospitalisation rate for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases showed a slight decrease. Laboratory surveillance indicated no new mutations, with current transmissions attributed to the seasonal Influenza A (H3) virus. Monitoring at 58 sentinel health clinics nationwide recorded a growth in ILI cases, rising to 7.38 percent in ME40 from 5.95 percent the previous week.
The ministry clarified that laboratory tests are not routinely conducted for all ILI cases, as most are mildly symptomatic and can be diagnosed clinically. Treatment focuses on high-risk groups, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Generally, influenza resolves without specific treatment, and patients are advised to rest, stay hydrated, and practice proper hygiene to prevent spreading the infection.
For educational institutions, the MOH recommends that school authorities monitor symptomatic students, ensure they receive timely treatment and isolation, and notify the district health office swiftly to implement control measures. The MOH continues to monitor the national influenza situation and will provide updates regularly. The ministry emphasized that controlling influenza requires a collaborative effort among the government, community, educational institutions, and the public to ensure a healthy and safe learning environment.
In a related development, a Special Education Integrated Programme class at Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Permas Jaya 2 in Masai, Johor, has been closed for 10 days following an outbreak of influenza A. State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin announced that five students, a teacher, and a student management assistant tested positive, while 15 other students showed symptoms. Those infected have been instructed to quarantine, while six teachers and two other assistants tested negative and continue their duties.
State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon reported that the case at SK Taman Permas Jaya 2 marked the sixth influenza cluster in the Johor Bahru district this year, with four involving influenza A and two involving influenza B.