PUTRAJAYA, Oct 10 – The Health Ministry has reported a rise in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases and influenza clusters nationwide, particularly in educational institutions, though the situation remains within seasonal expectations and under control.
The ministry said hospital admissions for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) had shown a slight decline, with laboratory surveillance confirming no new virus mutations and attributing the increase to the seasonal Influenza A (H3) strain.
“Monitoring at 58 sentinel health clinics nationwide showed that the ILI rate rose to 7.38 per cent in Epidemiological Week 40/2025, compared to 5.95 per cent in the previous week,” the ministry said.
“The five states with the highest ILI consultation rates were Selangor (14.63 per cent), Melaka (12.49 per cent), Penang (12.49 per cent), Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (11.62 per cent), and Sabah (8.73 per cent),” it added.
Surveillance data from nine hospitals indicated that SARI admission rates dropped from 9.59 per cent in the previous week to 9.08 per cent, while 97 influenza clusters were reported, up from 14 clusters a week earlier.
Selangor recorded the most clusters with 43, followed by Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (15), Penang (10), Johor (9), and Kedah (5), with most cases reported in secondary and primary schools, kindergartens, and private schools.
The ministry said laboratory testing was not routinely required for all ILI cases as most were mild and could be diagnosed clinically, while treatment was prioritised for high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions.
It added that influenza typically resolved without specific treatment and advised patients to rest, stay hydrated and practise good hygiene and cough etiquette to prevent spreading the infection.
Authorities in educational institutions were urged to monitor symptomatic students, ensure timely medical attention and isolation, and notify local health offices promptly if case numbers increased. — Malay Mail
