Child flu cases surge as infections hit alert levels

SSM data shows influenza activity in Macau has surged past the alert threshold, signaling the peak of the summer flu season.

The Health Bureau (SSM) reports that the weekly positive detection rate of influenza virus cases has exceeded 13.1%, prompting officials to call on residents to take preventive measures.

Hospital monitoring shows a steady increase in flu-like illness consultations since mid-May, with a pronounced rise among children.

Between June 22 and 28, Adult Emergency Services reported a 23% increase in flu-related visits, rising from 3.3% to 4.1% of total consultations. Pediatric Emergency Services saw an even sharper 26.6% jump, from 19.4% to 24.5%.

Laboratory tests corroborate these trends, with the influenza virus positivity rate soaring from 7.2% last month to 20.9% last week, approaching the winter peak of 29.1% recorded in January 2025.

This year’s summer surge is mainly driven by influenza B (54.8%) and influenza A (H3) (38.1%), differing from previous winter peaks dominated by influenza A (H1), according to SSM. The 2024–2025 flu vaccines cover these strains, and the bureau urges residents who have not been vaccinated since September 2024 to get vaccinated promptly.

Collective outbreaks have slightly decreased from six last month to five last week, mainly in daycare centers, kindergartens, and primary schools.

Since January, 10 severe flu cases have been recorded requiring ventilators, with seven patients unvaccinated.

The SSM recommends annual flu vaccination, keeping Covid-19 vaccinations current, practicing good hygiene and respiratory etiquette, avoiding crowded places, wearing masks when symptomatic or caring for patients, and seeking prompt medical care if ill.