IPOH: Another 29 students of Sekolah Menengah Sains Teluk Intan (Semesti) tested positive for Influenza A, forcing the school to close till Sunday (Jan 19).
State Education Department director Dr Suhaimi Mohamed Ali said to date, only one school was closed due to the spread of the virus in Perak.
He also dismissed rumours that Sekolah Menengah Sains Tapah was closed today after some of its students came down with Influenza A.
"So far, only one school is still closed until Jan 19 as advised by the Hilir Perak district Health Office.
"As of today, 37 students (Semesti students) were infected," he said.
Yesterday, Suhaimi said the school was forced to closed after eight of its students were tested positive for Influenza A.
Suhaimi said the action was in line with the Education Ministry's standard operating procedure (SOP) when there were students who tested positive for Influenza A.
"We had to close the school temporarily to curb the spread of the virus to other 550 students who are studying there.
"We will also carry out clean-up work especially at the hostel area," he said in a statement.
It was reported recently that the Education Ministry (MOE) has directed state Education Departments and district education offices nationwide to carry out continuous monitoring of schools, following the influenza A virus outbreak.
The Ministry said all schools must comply with the SOP of the Influenza A epidemic Infection Control issued by the ministry.
It added that any student infected with the virus and showing signs of infection must be isolated immediately and referred to MOH for examination.
The decision to close schools would only be made on the advice of MOH officials upon checking the possible risks.