School closures during influenza outbreaks depend on risk assessments, not case numbers, says Health Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — Decisions to close schools or other educational institutions during influenza outbreaks are determined through public health risk assessments by District Health Offices (PKD), not solely based on case numbers.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said several factors are taken into account, including infection rates among students, absenteeism trends among students and teachers, evidence of community transmission, and the school’s capacity to implement control measures.

“All these aspects are carefully assessed before any decision is made. Temporary and targeted school closures may be carried out through consultations between the PKD and the school, based on established procedures and current risk evaluations,” he said during the Ministers’ Question Time session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to Suhaizan Kaiat (PH–Pulai), who had asked about the criteria used to determine school closures during outbreaks.

Addressing Suhaizan’s initial query on the severity of influenza cases nationwide and their impact on educational institutions, Dzulkefly said schools and kindergartens have recorded the highest number of infections so far.

From Epidemiological Week (ME) 1/2025 to ME 41/2025, schools accounted for 352 cases (65.8 per cent), kindergartens 96 cases (17.9 per cent), and institutions or colleges 35 cases (6.5 per cent). Private residences recorded 33 cases (6.2 per cent), care centres six cases (1.1 per cent), workplace clusters 10 cases (1.9 per cent), and prisons three cases (0.6 per cent).

Dzulkefly noted a sharp increase in infection clusters in educational institutions — from eight in ME 39 to 111 in ME 40, and 202 in ME 41. For ME 42 (Oct 12–18), 56 clusters have been reported, with the number expected to decline.

“Secondary schools recorded the highest number of clusters, rising from one in ME 39 to 47 in ME 40 and 65 in ME 41. Primary schools showed a similar trend, increasing from three in ME 39 to 26 in ME 40 and peaking at 72 in ME 41.

“Vocational colleges, private schools, and nurseries also saw a rise in clusters during the same period,” he said.

On the deaths of two children in Sarawak and Terengganu who were infected with influenza A, Dzulkefly said the exact causes of death are still under investigation. — Bernama