Selangor Journal
A digitally-colorized, negative-stained transmission electron microscopic (TEM) image depicting a number of Influenza A virions. Picture by CDC / UNSPLASH

Influenza: Two classes in Penang school closed, other states on alert

A digitally-colourized, negative-stained transmission electron microscopic (TEM) image depicting a number of Influenza A virions. — Picture by CDC / UNSPLASH

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 — The latest case of the influenza outbreak in the country saw two Year 2 classes at SJKC Li Hwa, Penang, closed for 12 days beginning yesterday.

The measure was taken after 19 students from both classes were infected.

Penang Education Department director Abdul Rashid Abdul Samad said the students showed several symptoms such as fever, cough and cold before health examinations revealed they were infected with influenza.

“Six of the 19 students are currently receiving treatment at two private hospitals, while others were examined and treated as outpatients at public and private health clinics. All of them are in stable condition.

“Examinations by the Penang State Health Department’s medical team on 72 other students in classes ‘2 Taat’ and ‘2 Damai’ yesterday found none of them to be infected, but they have also been given time off until Jan 19. The two classes will reopen on Jan 20,” he said when contacted by Bernama here yesterday.

The Ministry of Education in a statement earlier informed it had received reports on the closure of schools in Penang, Selangor and several other states after several pupils had been diagnosed with influenza A.

The schools have been requested to fully comply with the Influenza A Outbreak Control Standard Operating Procedures, with any school closures only to be carried out after getting advice from the Ministry of Health.

Meanwhile, in Selangor, State Education director Dr Mahanom Mat Sam said no school closures had been carried out so far due to the Influenza A outbreak.

He said only 10 students from SK Cyberjaya were temporarily quarantined at their homes for fear of being infected with the disease.

“At present, the Selangor State Education Department has not received any information on the closure of any school in the state in connection with the Influenza A outbreak.

“However, students suspected to be infected with the virus have been given quarantine leave from Monday to Friday. The Selangor State Education Department will continue to monitor the progress of the outbreak,” he said when contacted here yesterday.

Meanwhile, checks by Bernama with the Health Departments in Kedah, Perlis, Perak and Sabah, found there were no influenza A cases reported so far.

— Bernama

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