As the name suggests, the culprit that caused all this mess is known as the Influenza virus which can be divided into Type A, Type B and Type C. Influenza virus causes the condition called flu. Why is influenza seasonal? The most prominent characteristic of this virus is that it can modify genetically at a rapid rate, rendering our body immune system incapability to keep up with and kill these new strains. Thus, flu is known as a seasonal disease because outbreaks will happen from time to time especially in a tropical country like Malaysia.
Rumours have been circulating among us, claiming that influenza Malaysia 2020 is due to the “mysterious virus” from Wuhan, China. Ministry of Health Malaysia has already collected enough evidence to refute this false claim and advocate Malaysians to not spread fake rumours to add further chaos to this situation. Evidence has shown Influenza A is the culprit for this episode of outbreaks in Malaysia. This new decade has yet to seek for a good start, so fellow netizens, let’s not make the year any worse.
Regarding the sad news of child death in Temerloh and Johor, the authority has released post mortem report that only the 1-year-old boy’s death in Temerloh is due to Influenza A (the strain of H1N1) whereas the 7-year-old girl in Johor is tested negative for influenza, passed away due to kidney and liver failure. According to H1N1 Malaysia statistic, the last outbreak happened 11 years ago due to the flu pandemic across the world. Malaysia did a good job of controlling the disease and reducing the mortality rate. Hence, we should have faith in our ministry this time that they will make the right move to contain this outbreak!