Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has warned that more than 6,000 students have fallen ill with influenza, forcing schools nationwide to shut their doors for the interim. The government said the cases, confirmed by local labs, surged last week as the wet season brought a wave of viral activity across the country.
Health officials said the schools closed on Thursday morning, starting in the capital cities of Kuala Lumpur and Penang and then spreading to smaller towns. “We are following the World Health Organization’s guidance and are closing schools to stop the flu from spreading further,” the ministry spokesperson told reporters. The move is meant to protect students, teachers and staff from infection.
The current outbreak is the most serious in Malaysia since the 2019 dengue season, and officials stress that the flu can spread quickly in crowded school environments. Schools that remain open are now required to keep at least 50 % of their students in attendance and must enforce strict hand‑washing and mask‑wearing rules.
Parents are urged to keep their children home if they show symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. The Ministry of Health also recommends that teachers, school nurses and administrators monitor students for possible complications, especially children with asthma or other chronic conditions.
Health experts note that the influenza strain involved in this wave is a subtype that commonly circulates in Southeast Asia. “Vaccination is still the best defence against severe flu, but it is unlikely to protect as many as 6,000 children,” said Dr. Ahmad Farhan, a public‑health specialist. He added that the government is studying ways to strengthen vaccination campaigns ahead of the next flu season.
The authorities have also urged local health clinics to stock up on antiviral drugs and to keep schools informed of any new developments. “We are working with the education ministry and local councils to ensure everyone receives timely updates,” the spokesperson said.
The Malaysian government has responded by boosting the public‑health response budget and by sending extra medical supplies to schools and community centres. While the school closures stretch for now, officials said that reopening will depend on local case numbers and the pad of new protective measures in place.
In the meantime, students and their families will need to stay home, follow the ministry’s health advice and keep a close eye on their school’s website for any further updates.
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