Surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) Cases Reported Nationwide
Selangor, 10 Oct 2025 – Since late September 2025, Malaysia has reported a sharp increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases, particularly among educational institutions. The Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia reported the sharp rise in influenza cases, with a total of 97 influenza clusters detected as of Epidemiological Week (EW) 40/2025, compared with 14 clusters recorded in previous week, most of which originated from educational institutions.
Latest Situation of Influenza in Malaysia
According to latest report from health ministry, all states recorded an increase, with the five highest being Selangor (43 clusters), Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (15), Penang (10), Johor (9) and Kedah (5), Bernama reported. The majority of the clusters were reported in secondary schools (32), followed by primary schools (26), kindergartens (15) and private schools (9).
Although MOH has stated that the situation is currently under control, it continues to monitor the increase in Influenza A and B cases, advising immediate medical attention for high-risk groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
According to a formal circular containing preventive guidelines released by Ministry of Education (MOE), authorities in educational institutions were urged to monitor symptomatic students, ensure timely medical attention and isolation, and notify local health offices promptly if case numbers increased.
“Parents/guardians must be contacted immediately to collect the student or the educational institution should take the student to the nearest medical centre for treatment with parental/guardian permission,” the Ministry of Education said in a statement.
What Happens During a Flu Infection?
Influenza is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat and lungs.
- You may experience fever, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, and fatigue.
- It spreads easily through coughing, droplets, or contact with contaminated surfaces
Influenza and COVID-19 Symptoms Overlap – Leading to Diagnostic Challenges
The influenza surge arrives while COVID-19 remains present in the community. Clinically, Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19 share similar symptoms, making accurate diagnosis based on symptoms alone extremely challenging.
Due to these similarities, rapid differentiation testing at point-of-care settings is essential to:
- Enable timely antiviral treatment for influenza
- Prevent misdiagnosis during overlapping outbreaks
- Reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions
- Support MOH surveillance efforts
- Enable isolation decisions and prevent outbreaks
Role of Rapid Differentiation Testing During Malaysia’s Flu Season
General practitioners, panel clinics, emergency units, and medical health providers play a vital role in reducing influenza transmission within communities. Rapid testing not only improves clinical confidence but also reduces the burden on healthcare facilities during seasonal surges.
Supporting Frontline Healthcare Providers with Efficient Testing
RESZON ABC Combo Test – Flu A+B & COVID-19 Ag (Nasal Swab) is a rapid immunoassay designed for professional use to detect Influenza A, Influenza B and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in a single nasal swab test within 15 minutes.
This 3-in-1 combo test supports primary care clinics, hospitals and medical panels in carrying out quick and reliable screening during concurrent outbreaks of influenza and COVID-19.
- Accurate disease differentiation at the point of care
- Fast clinical decision-making
- Infection control in high-risk settings
- Patient triaging
- Reduced risk of delayed treatment
Why Are School and Kids Vulnerable?
- Majority of influenza cases involve schools
- Kids and teachers in close quarters or shared classrooms face higher risk
- Other high-risk groups include the elderly, those with chronic illness, and people with weekend immunity
Children are particularly vulnerable to influenza transmission due to close classroom interactions, shared facilities, and underdeveloped hygiene habits.
Transmission can occur through:
- Airborne droplets during coughing/sneezing
- Contaminated surfaces (desks, doorknobs, learning tools)
- Close interpersonal contact
Rapid detection and isolation remain essential to prevent school-based outbreaks from spreading to homes and the wider community.
Preventive Measures for Parents and Schools
To reduce the risk of infection, parents, educators and school administrators are advised to follow MOH preventive measures:
- Stay at home if unwell until fully recovered
- Wash hands often
- Wear mask when sick
- Ensure adequate ventilation
- Seek medical care if symptoms worsen such as shortness of breath or persistent high fever
- Get influenza vaccination among high-risk groups
Commitment to Public Health Response
At Reszon Diagnostics, we remain committed to supporting Malaysia’s public health strategy through reliable, accessible diagnostic solutions.
Early detection remains one of the most effective strategies to break infection chains and protect families, schools, and workplaces. Let us stay alert, act early, and work together to protect our future generations.
Looking for more details on how to use RESZON ABC Combo Test – Flu A+B & COVID-19 Ag (Nasal Swab) correctly?
Request the official Instructions for Use (IFU) to get step-by-step guidance and unblock answers for FAQ. Simply complete the form below and our team will send it straight to your inbox.
References
- FMT (10 Oct 2025), Influenza A and B infection clusters rise sharply, Accessed 10 October 2025
- Malay Mail (10 Oct 2025), Education Ministry steps up measures as influenza cases surge in Malaysian schools, Accessed 10 October 2025
- Malay Mail (9 Oct 2025), Influenza cases climb nationwide but situation under control, says MOH, Accessed 10 October 2025
- New Straits Times (9 Oct 2025), MOH: 97 influenza clusters detected in EW 40/2025, Accessed 10 October 2025
- The Star (8 Oct 2025), Kelantan records influenza case rise, Accessed 10 October 2025
