Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed that laboratory tests showed the child tested positive for influenza A, but said the primary complication was brain inflammation, which led to seizures.

“While the lab tests indicate a positive influenza A result, it’s important to note that the main complication was encephalitis, which caused the seizures.

“Encephalitis can also be triggered by other viruses, so we cannot solely attribute the cause to influenza A. Let us wait for the final diagnosis to confirm the exact cause,” he told reporters after attending the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2025 event here today.

Dzulkefly expressed his condolences to the child’s family.

He also sought to reassure the public that the majority of influenza cases detected nationwide had been mild, and that the situation remained under control despite a concerning number of outbreaks.

As of now, 116 outbreaks and 97 influenza clusters have been reported.

Dzulkefly urged those experiencing symptoms to wear face masks, practise good hand hygiene, avoid crowded places, and protect others from infection.