Cover image via Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
A pupil from the Special Education Integrated Programme (PPKI) at SK Meru in Klang died early yesterday, 16 October, believed to have succumbed to an Influenza A infection
North Klang district police chief ACP S Vijaya Rao said officers received a report on the incident involving the child just before dawn.
"The victim, an 8-year-old special needs pupil, was confirmed dead at around 4.30am.
"Investigations revealed that the victim was confirmed to have been infected with Influenza A, and all of his family members also tested positive for the same virus," he told Bernama when contacted.
Vijaya Rao added that the Health Ministry has taken preventive measures, including medical checks on the family and close monitoring of the area to curb further spread.
The case has been classified as sudden death.
The incident follows the recent deaths of two other children infected with Influenza A — a 4-year-old boy in Samarahan, Sarawak, and an 11-year-old boy in Terengganu.
North Klang district police chief ACP S Vijaya Rao.
Image via Faiz Anuar/New Straits TimesMeanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry does not see a need for large-scale school closures at present
In Parliament yesterday, 16 October, Dr Dzulkefly confirmed an uptick in influenza-like illness consultations at MOH facilities this week.
However, he noted that current rates remain lower than during the same period last year.
"The Influenza A H3N2 strain — a seasonal flu — is currently circulating in Malaysia and across the Asian region. It spreads relatively quickly but is of moderate severity," he said.
He said 83.7% of all reported clusters nationwide were reported in schools and kindergartens.
However, most cases involved mild symptoms and were treated promptly.
He assured that temporary school closures may be implemented if transmission becomes widespread or poses a high community risk, based on the assessments of respective district health offices.
