The Health Bureau (SSM) urged residents in a statement on Friday to strengthen precautions against COVID-19 and influenza, as surveillance data of influenza virus activity moving upward in Macau, with indicators approaching alert levels, indicating the possible onset of the summer influenza peak season.
Meanwhile, as COVID-19 maintains significant community circulation, the bureau urges residents to reinforce preventive measures, the statement said.
According to hospital surveillance data of influenza, influenza-like illness (ILI) consultations have seen a notable rise since late May, with adult cases particularly increasing. From June 8 to 14, adult ILI cases accounted for 3.7 per 100 consultations, representing a 23.3 percent increase from 3.0 per 100 consultations during the same period last month. Children’s ILI cases similarly rose by 19.4 percent, climbing from 19.1 to 22.8 per 100 consultations.
According to laboratory surveillance, the influenza positivity rate surged from 1.9 percent to 12.4 percent over the past month, which is close to alert levels. The current activity remains below the late-January peak of 29.1 percent.
The statement pointed out that Macau typically experiences two annual peaks: January-March in winter and May-August in summer, contrasting with the earlier winter peak which was dominated by influenza A(H1), while currently the peak shows 50 percent influenza B and 45.8 percent influenza A(H3), both having been the predominant strains recently.
The statement stressed that the bureau continues to provide the 2024-2025 influenza vaccine, covering both A (H1N1, H3N2) and B strains, which are effective against the currently circulating viruses and significantly reduces risks of severe complications and mortality. Unvaccinated residents since September 2024 are advised to consider having the jabs now.
The current positive rate of COVID-19 is down with an average 14.0 percent over the past four weeks from the mid-March peak of 44.3 percent, the statement noted, adding that Macau is, however, influenced by regional trends and that the COVID-19 virus in the community remains active, according to the statement, which pointed out that the strain of the COVID-19 XDV variant related to JN.1, primarily being of the NB.1.8.1 sublineage, remains consistent with earlier strains. The bureau also said that the COVID-19 vaccine used in Macau against JN.1 is still effective in reducing the risk of infection and development of critical illnesses caused by the current strain of the virus circulating in Macau.
The statement noted that cluster infections rose 10 cases last week compared to seven cases in the same period last month, mainly in childcare centres, kindergartens, and primary schools, with the pathogens including 5 influenza A, 2 influenza B, 1 COVID-19, 1 co-infection, and 1 undetermined case.
Moreover, 10 influenza-related critical cases have been reported so far this year, with five males and five females aged 35-86 years requiring mechanical ventilation, seven of who had not had their influenza vaccination. No COVID-19 critical cases have been recorded so far this year, the statement said.
The statement added that the bureau received two ILI cases and one COVID-19 cluster infection, comprising two two boys and a girl from the Fukien Women’s General Association of Macau Nursery, a male student and four female students from the primary section of The Affiliated School of the University of Macau, while 29 female residents from the Taipa Asilo de Santa Maria for the Aged had COVID-19.
The affected individuals had developed mild upper respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat) since June 17. All received medical attention with no severe complications reported. Affected institutions have implemented enhanced infection controls, including disinfection protocols, ventilation improvements, and isolation measures, according to the statement.
Poster courtesy of Brunswick-Brittonkill Central School District
