SHAH ALAM, Oct 4 — In Selangor, 64.7 pct of influenza cases involve education institutions from preschool to university, said state executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
She said however that the Selangor State Health Department (JKNS), through District Health Offices, is monitoring the situation and implementing risk assessments in the field.
“Class or school closure directives can only be issued by schools or the State Education Department based on recommendations from District Health Offices after risk assessment is performed,” she told Media Selangor.
From epidemiological week (ME) 10 ending March 8 to ME39 ending September 27, 88 influenza hotspots were detected, with an average of three hotspots emerging every week.
Influenza cases rose over 80 per cent from ME38 ending September 20, from 602 to 1,128 in ME39.
Jamaliah added that to overcome the spread of influenza, the state government and health authorities launched a free immunisation programme in February.
The initiative provides free influenza vaccines for senior citizens with one or more chronic diseases including diabetes, respiratory illness, heart disease, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic kidney disease.
“These vaccines can be obtained for free at 82 government health facilities all over Selangor. However, those who aren’t in this group are urged to get vaccinated against influenza at private health facilities.
“The people are advised to immediately get checkups and treatment at government or private healthcare facilities if they experience symptoms like a fever, cough, and lasting cold,” Jamaliah said.
