Flu remains city’s most reported infectious disease in July

Macau recorded 2,936 cases of notifiable diseases in July, with influenza remaining the most commonly reported infection in the community, according to the latest data from the Health Bureau.

Influenza accounted for 2,457 cases, followed by enterovirus infections with 344 cases and chickenpox with 32 cases. Three cases of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease, were also reported during the month.

The data showed a notable increase in Salmonella infections, with 27 cases recorded in July. This represented a 58.8% increase from June and was about 1.5 times higher than the number recorded during the same period last year.

Health authorities said Salmonella enteritis is more common between July and October because of the hot weather. The bacterial infection is primarily transmitted through consuming raw or undercooked food.

Authorities have urged residents to pay particular attention to food safety during the summer, including ensuring food is properly cooked and stored.

Meanwhile, scarlet fever cases fell to 14 in July, down about 55% from June. Norovirus infections also declined sharply, with just one case reported, representing a 92.3% monthly decrease.

The SSM regularly monitors 45 notifiable diseases as part of its disease surveillance system, aiming to identify potential outbreaks and limit their spread in residential homes, schools and the wider community.