MOH Prepared For Possible Increase In Influenza Cases - Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- All Health Ministry (MOH) facilities and personnel are fully prepared to handle any unexpected spike in influenza cases, said Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said Emergency and Trauma Departments at MOH hospitals have set up separate pathways for infectious and non-infectious patients to prevent cross-infection and hospital-acquired infections.

The ministry has also activated its Hospital Disaster Plan, which includes creating disaster zones, adding beds and mobilising staff internally if cases surge unexpectedly.

“These are proactive, pre-emptive measures to ensure readiness for any sudden increase in cases, though we hope it will not happen,” he told reporters at Parliament today.

Meanwhile, during the Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Dzulkefly said no universal or specific influenza vaccine exists as the virus mutates frequently.

He said the World Health Organisation and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conduct annual surveillance to identify the dominant strain for the year, with new quadrivalent vaccines developed to cover multiple virus types.

Dzulkefly also said laboratory tests are not routinely conducted for all Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases, as most are mild and can be diagnosed clinically.

“Clinical diagnosis is sufficient based on symptoms, and lab tests would not change the treatment given.

“For high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women and those with severe symptoms, appropriate treatment and antiviral prophylaxis will be provided,” he said.

He was responding to Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat), who asked about the availability of antivirals and vaccination efforts against influenza.

-- BERNAMA