Influenza cases rise nearly fivefold in March, authorities warn public

The Health Bureau (SSM) has urged residents to strengthen personal protective measures after a sharp rise in influenza cases, with 1,785 infections recorded in March.

This represents an increase of about 4.6 times compared with 320 cases in the same month last year, and 1.9 times higher than the 618 cases recorded in February, according to official surveillance data.

A total of 1,998 notifiable disease cases were reported in March. Influenza, norovirus and enterovirus were the most common illnesses during the period. Among them, influenza and enterovirus infections showed notable month-on-month increases, while rotavirus cases declined.

The bureau reported 50 enterovirus infection cases in March, up 66.7% from 30 cases in the same month last year and about 1.6 times higher than 19 cases in February. Rotavirus infections fell to 11 cases, down 35.3% year-on-year and 63.3% compared with the previous month.

Health authorities also monitored mosquito-borne and other infectious diseases. No dengue fever cases were recorded in March. However, one imported case of chikungunya fever was confirmed during the same period.

The SSM said it will continue to closely monitor the situation and called on the public to maintain good hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing, wearing masks when necessary, and seeking medical attention early when symptoms appear, in order to reduce the risk of further transmission.