SABAH STATE ELECTION: PRACTISE HEALTH ETHICS , TO PREVENT SPREAD OF INFLUENZA A

TAWAU, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health reminds all parties to take appropriate health measures to prevent the spread of Influenza A cases during the 17th Sabah state election next month.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said individuals who are symptomatic and will be involved in any campaign activities including voting should wear face masks.

"This includes my reminder that if you are symptomatic, do not go out, children with symptoms should not be sent to school, if we are in crowded areas, wear face masks and maintain cough and sneeze etiquette," he said.

He told reporters after officiating the new building of the Sungai Imam Rural Clinic, Merotai here today.

The Election Commission has set Nov 29 as polling day for the state election, while the date for nomination of candidates is set for Nov 15 and early voting on Nov 25.

Dzulkefly said based on the Epidemiology Week (ME) report 42/2025, the consultation rate for Influenza A cases in the country had increased to 13,508 patients, including 1,174 patients in Sabah.

He said his ministry was prepared to deal with the contagious Influenza A outbreak during the election season, including through monitoring symptoms of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) such as fever, cough and sore throat as well as Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).

He said several health clinics in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Menggatal, Luyang, Lahad Datu, Membakut, and Tandek are monitoring, including  Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu and the Sabah Women and Children's Hospital, Likas.

"The influenza A virus is H3N2, we know it is not as virulent as other influenza, but sometimes it also brings moderate, usually low to moderate symptoms. We are always monitoring if there are any that are more virulent.

"But we do know that this H3N2 Influenza A virus is what is called seasonal flu, not common flu," said Dzulkefly who added that the Health Ministry is also preparing in terms of sufficient supply of medicines such as antiviral medicines and vaccinations.

-- BERNAMA