Macao’s Health Bureau reported five clusters of flu-like illness on October 20, involving 45 students in total.
The first cluster involved six students (four boys and two girls) in class P5A at the branch of Sheng Kung Hui (Macau) Choi Kou High School on Avenida Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues. The second involved 13 students (one boy and 12 girls) in the幼初和 class of the Chinese Section of Santa Rosa de Lima School in Nam Van.
The third cluster was reported in class初三愛 at Macau Baptist College on Rua de Seng Tou in the Areia Preta district, with 10 students affected (five boys and five girls). In the fourth cluster, seven students (five boys and two girls) in class P3C at Escola da União on Rua do Minho fell ill. The fifth involved nine students (six boys and three girls) in class P3E at the Affiliated School of the University of Macau on Rua de Dalian.
The students developed fever, cough and other upper respiratory symptoms from October 16. Some sought medical care. One student each from Macau Baptist College and the Affiliated School of the University of Macau was hospitalized; both are in stable condition.
Testing of respiratory samples found influenza A in 32 people. The schools have stepped up cleaning and disinfection, improved indoor ventilation and strictly enforced isolation rules for sick students.
The Health Bureau advised residents to get seasonal flu vaccination each year and recommended COVID-19 vaccination on time, maintain hand hygiene, ventilate indoor spaces and avoid crowded places. People with cold symptoms, those caring for patients, and visitors to hospitals and clinics should wear masks. Anyone feeling unwell should seek medical attention and rest at home, and get prompt care if symptoms worsen.
