6,000 Students Down With Influenza, Schools Told To Follow MOH Guidelines

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 13 (Bernama -- About 6,000 school students nationwide have been infected with influenza so far, prompting the closure of several schools on the advice of their respective district health offices.

Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad said the closures were carried out in accordance with procedures and guidelines set by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to ensure the safety of students, teachers and school staff.

He said schools have also been instructed to implement preventive and control measures to curb the spread of influenza among students.

“We already have extensive experience in dealing with infectious diseases from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have reminded schools to follow these guidelines, encouraging the use of face masks and reducing large group activities among students,” he told a special press conference here today.

Mohd Azam also assured that the Education Ministry (MoE) is prepared for any situation as the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination approaches on Nov 3.

“We have asked the Examination Board to be ready for these challenges as the SPM begins soon,” he said.

Last Thursday, the MoH reported 97 clusters of influenza A and B infections during Epidemiological Week 40/2025, compared to 14 clusters the previous week, with most cases detected in educational institutions.

According to the MoH, all states recorded an increase in cases, with the highest numbers in Selangor (43 clusters), Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (15), Penang (10), Johor (9), and Kedah (5), with most patients exhibiting mild symptoms.

-- BERNAMA