Kota kinabalu: 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly emphasized that symptomatic individuals should avoid going out, and children with symptoms should not be sent to school. He urged people in crowded areas to wear face masks and maintain proper cough and sneeze etiquette. He conveyed this message to reporters after officiating the new building of the Sungai Imam Rural Clinic, Merotai.

The Election Commission has set November 29 as polling day for the state election, with the nomination of candidates scheduled for November 15 and early voting on November 25. Dzulkefly noted that the consultation rate for Influenza A cases, based on the Epidemiology Week (ME) report 42/2025, had risen to 13,508 patients, including 1,174 in Sabah.

He highlighted that the ministry is prepared to manage the Influenza A outbreak during the election season, focusing on monitoring symptoms of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) such as fever, cough, and sore throat, as well as Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). Several health clinics in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Menggatal, Luyang, Lahad Datu, Membakut, and Tandek, along with Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu and the Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital in Likas, are actively monitoring the situation.

Dzulkefly mentioned that the Influenza A virus strain is H3N2, which is known as seasonal flu. While it typically presents moderate symptoms, the ministry remains vigilant in monitoring for more virulent strains. The Health Ministry is ensuring a sufficient supply of antiviral medicines and vaccinations to combat the virus.