Perak exco: 46 students at Influenza A cluster school suffer flu-like illness

The school had first brought 57 symptomatic students to a nearby health clinic on Monday, before the figure rose to 61 when an additional 39 symptomatic students were brought in yesterday. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

First Published: Wednesday, 16 Sep 2026 12:57 PM MYT

IPOH, Sept 16 — Forty-six students at a boarding school in Ipoh have been diagnosed with influenza-like illness (ILI) following an Influenza A cluster detected at the school, Perak Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said.

He said the cases were identified after health officials screened and assessed 61 students with symptoms up to Sept 14, while 14 others were found to have upper respiratory tract infections and one had conjunctivitis.

“As of Sept 15, 2026, all students who had been assessed were reported to be in stable condition. The Perak State Health Department will continue to monitor the situation, including new cases and laboratory test results, and strengthen control and prevention measures if necessary,” he said in a statement today.

According to him, the school had first brought 57 symptomatic students to a nearby health clinic on Monday, before the figure rose to 61 when an additional 39 symptomatic students were brought in yesterday.

He added that all the students were reported to be in stable condition but at the same time he advised parents and guardians to ensure that symptomatic children do not attend school until they recover.

“Parents are also encouraged to seek health examinations for their children if symptoms persist or worsen, and to consider influenza vaccination through health facilities that provide the service,” he said. — Bernama