Malaysia’s Health Ministry reports decreasing influenza rates with ILI consultations at 8.18% and SARI admissions at 10.45% for week 43.
PUTRAJAYA: The country’s influenza infection rate has demonstrated a declining trend during Epidemiological Week 43 of this year according to the Ministry of Health.
Monitoring through consultation rates for Influenza-Like Illnesses and hospital admission rates for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection cases indicated both recorded decreases compared with the previous week.
The ILI consultation rate dropped from 9.68% to 8.18% while the SARI admission rate fell from 10.56% to 10.45%.
Genomic sequencing has shown no new mutations detected in the influenza virus to date.
Regarding acute respiratory infection clusters the ministry reported a total of 30 clusters were recorded in ME43/2025 representing an 86% reduction compared with the previous week.
Schools recorded 15 clusters followed by private residences with seven clusters kindergartens with four clusters other premises with two clusters and nurseries with one cluster.
No clusters were reported in other educational institutions or care centres for ME43/2025 with schools remaining the main contributors to the overall number of clusters accounting for 27.
Most individuals infected with the influenza virus recover completely within a few days to one week.
The ministry cautioned that influenza can cause severe infections or complications among high-risk groups including children the elderly and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Based on ILI and SARI surveillance at sentinel sites nationwide more than 70% of ILI and SARI cases are among children.
To protect high-risk groups and prevent influenza spread the ministry advised the public to avoid crowded places if symptomatic wear face masks when coughing or sneezing wash hands frequently practise proper cough etiquette and obtain annual influenza vaccinations particularly for vulnerable groups.
High-risk individuals are advised to seek early medical examination and treatment at nearby government or private healthcare facilities. – Bernama
