The Health Bureau (SSM) announced in a statement last night that influenza viruses in Macau have become more active, with the positive testing rate rising from 5.0 percent from the period between February 22 to 28 to 17.8 percent from March 8 to 14, with over 70 percent of the cases being type B influenza.
The statement said that this surpasses the 15.2 percent warning threshold, indicating “a high level of flu activity”.
Influenza viruses had a peak in activity from mid-November 2025 to early January 2026, primarily driven by the H3 subtype of type A influenza, according to the statement.
The statement said that emergency department data from three hospitals show a “significant increase” in children seeking treatment for influenza-like illnesses, noting a rise from 177 weekly visits from children to 342 since late February, the statement said. Cases among adults, meanwhile, have been stable.
Kindergartens, primary and secondary schools have reported cluster infections, mainly due to type B influenza, adding that the number of cluster infections rose from zero in mid-February to 10 last week. The statement added that nine were reported in just the first three days of this week, according to the statement. No severe influenza cases have been recorded this year.
Cases reported yesterday include four cluster infection cases with a total of 42 students. According to the statement, eight students (6 boys, 2 girls) are from K1D and K3D classes at Sheng Kung Hui Choi Kou School Macau, six students (3 boys, 3 girls) are from the primary 3 E class of Escola Choi Nong Chi Tai, 21 students are from two junior high school classes at Lou Hau High School, and seven students are from P5D of Sacred Heart Canossian College.
The statement said that symptoms like fever and cough appeared from March 13. Some have sought medical attention, the statement said, though conditions are relatively mild, with preliminary tests resulting in three positives for type A influenza and nine for type B.
The bureau also emphasised that that March is the peak influenza season, highlighting: “The available 2025-2026 influenza vaccine provides protection against both type A and B viruses, making it the most effective measure to prevent the currently circulating strains and reduce the risk of severe illness and death”, recommending residents who have not been vaccinated since September to get a jab.
Undated photo of a flu shot about to be administered, courtesy by Unsplash
