• 2025-10-22 09:25 PM

TAWAU: The Ministry of Health has reminded all parties to practise appropriate health measures to prevent Influenza A transmission during next month’s Sabah state election.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad advised symptomatic individuals involved in campaign activities or voting to wear face masks.

“This includes my reminder that if you are symptomatic, do not go out, children with symptoms should not be sent to school, if we are in crowded areas, wear face masks and maintain cough and sneeze etiquette,“ he said.

He spoke to reporters after officiating the new building of Sungai Imam Rural Clinic in Merotai here today.

The Election Commission has set November 29 as polling day for the state election.

Nomination of candidates is scheduled for November 15 with early voting on November 25.

Based on the Epidemiology Week 42/2025 report, Influenza A consultation rates nationwide increased to 13,508 patients including 1,174 in Sabah.

The ministry is prepared to handle the contagious outbreak during election season through monitoring of Influenza-Like Illness symptoms.

Monitoring includes fever, cough, sore throat and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections.

Several health clinics in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Menggatal, Luyang, Lahad Datu, Membakut and Tandek are conducting surveillance.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu and Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital in Likas are also monitoring the situation.

“The influenza A virus is H3N2, we know it is not as virulent as other influenza, but sometimes it also brings moderate, usually low to moderate symptoms,“ Dzulkefly said.

He confirmed the H3N2 Influenza A virus is seasonal flu rather than common flu.

The Health Ministry is ensuring sufficient supplies of antiviral medicines and vaccinations. – Bernama