KUALA LUMPUR, 12 October 2025: The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued an urgent advisory to schools and parents following a dramatic increase in influenza outbreaks nationwide. In Epidemiological Week 40/2025, the country recorded 97 clusters of Influenza A and B infections—a monumental 600% surge from just 14 clusters reported in the preceding week.
While the MOH maintains that the overall situation is within the expected seasonal influenza trend and remains under control, the vast majority of these outbreaks are concentrated in educational settings.
The Breakdown of the Outbreaks:
The rapid spread has been observed across all states, with five states leading the count of active clusters:
- Selangor: 43 clusters
- Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya: 15 clusters
- Penang: 10 clusters
- Johor: 9 clusters
- Kedah: 5 clusters
The data clearly indicates that schools are the primary sites of transmission:
- Secondary Schools: 32 clusters
- Primary Schools: 26 clusters
- Kindergartens: 15 clusters
- Private Schools: 9 clusters
Laboratory surveillance has confirmed that the current surge is driven primarily by the Influenza A (H3) virus, a known seasonal strain, with no new virus mutations detected. The average Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) rate monitored at sentinel clinics has also risen significantly to 7.38% in Week 40, up from 5.95% the week before.
MOH & MOE Actions and Public Appeal
In response to the escalating numbers, the MOH is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Education (MOE). Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that school closures are on the table if the clusters continue to rise, though the final decision rests with the MOE. In an immediate, preemptive move, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has already directed 34 of its boarding schools to temporarily switch to home-based learning.
The MOE has also issued stringent guidelines for school administrators, instructing them to:
- Isolate any symptomatic students immediately.
- Ensure they receive prompt medical treatment.
- Notify the district health office if cases increase for swift control measures.
The public is strongly urged to practice vigilance, especially regarding high-risk groups (young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses). For mild cases, the advice remains: get adequate rest, drink plenty of water, and adhere to strict personal hygiene, including rigorous cough etiquette and wearing face masks in crowded areas. This collective responsibility is deemed essential to manage the situation and safeguard the community’s health.
