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10 clusters · 37 sources · 61 days · First seen · Last updated

Rising influenza and respiratory trends in Southeast Asia

Overview

Global infectious disease trends have shown rising influenza cases, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere and across Asia. Concurrently, COVID-19 cases have increased in Hong Kong, Singapore, and India due to the PQ.16.1.1 Omicron subvariant.

By mid-October 2026, influenza activity intensified across Southeast Asia. In Singapore, activity reached its highest level in 32 months. Data from the Communicable Diseases Agency indicated that 44% of respiratory samples tested positive between late September and early October, a sharp rise from 20% in August. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung noted an increase in patients seeking treatment at polyclinics and emergency departments, a trend potentially exacerbated by recent hazy weather.

In Indonesia, the situation remains significant. Surveillance data from late September showed high positivity rates driven by the A(H1N1)pdm09 subtype and the Influenza A(H3N2) subclade K—colloquially referred to as ‘super flu’—which has been detected across 20 provinces. While the Ministry of Health stated that activity in primary care remains at a ‘medium range’, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin noted that the government is strengthening surveillance and preparedness. The H3N2 subclade K has been linked to increased emergency room visits, particularly in West Java.

Pediatric cases have seen a significant surge. The Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) noted that toddlers and young children are the most affected demographic, accounting for approximately 42 percent of cases. In Banjarbaru, health officials reported that during the 41st week of 2026, acute respiratory infections (ISPA) and acute diarrhea reached their highest levels for the year. In South Tangerang, officials recorded 6,147 ISPA cases, noting that environmental factors like illegal waste burning may be exacerbating respiratory risks.

Entities

World Health Organization · Indonesia · Budi Gunadi Sadikin · Ministry of Health of Indonesia · Bandung

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Philippines Department of Health warns of rising seasonal illnesses

    The Philippine Department of Health reports an 8% rise in influenza-like illnesses due to cooler weather and is launching a targeted vaccination campaign for high-risk groups.

  2. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses rise in Indonesian cities

    Health departments in South Tangerang and Banjarbaru report rising cases of acute respiratory infections and diarrhea, prompting local government mitigation and prevention efforts.

  3. [HEALTH] 5 sources
    Health authorities in Indonesia issue warnings over respiratory illnesses

    Health officials in South Tangerang and East Kalimantan, Indonesia, are warning against respiratory infections, influenza, and diarrhea amid concerns over air quality and seasonal virus transmission.

  4. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Indonesian health offices warn of rising illness risks during seasonal changes

    Health offices in Soppeng and Garut, Indonesia, are warning of rising respiratory infections, dengue fever, and other illnesses due to seasonal transitions and dry weather conditions.

  5. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Influenza cases rise across Indonesia and Singapore

    Influenza cases are rising in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia reporting dominant H1N1 activity and Singapore seeing its highest respiratory infection levels in 32 months.

  6. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Indonesia reports rise in influenza cases

    Indonesia reports rising influenza cases, including H3N2 Subclade K in 13 provinces. While cases follow seasonal patterns, authorities urge vigilance against symptoms like high fever and respiratory distress.

  7. [HEALTH] 10 sources
    Indonesia reports surge in Influenza A cases

    Indonesia reports a surge in Influenza A cases, particularly among children. Health authorities are monitoring H1N1 and H3N2 strains while advising against panic buying of antivirals.

  8. [HEALTH] 9 sources
    Indonesia reports rise in Influenza A cases across 38 provinces

    Influenza A cases are rising in Indonesia, with positive specimens reaching 51 percent. Toddlers are most affected, prompting health officials to urge vigilance and vaccination.

  9. [HEALTH] 7 sources
    Indonesia sees rise in influenza cases amid regional surge

    Indonesia and Southeast Asia are seeing a rise in influenza A cases, particularly among children. Health officials urge vaccination and monitoring as hospital emergency departments face increased demand.

  10. [HEALTH] 6 sources
    Global infectious disease trends show rising influenza and COVID-19 cases

    Global health reports indicate rising influenza and COVID-19 cases in Asia and the Southern Hemisphere, alongside major Ebola outbreaks in Congo and dengue fever surges in Southeast Asia.

Sources

antaranews.com · bantenekspres.co.id · beritajatim.com · beritariau.com · boneku.com · cnbcindonesia.com · disway.id · ekbis.harianjogja.com · fnn.jp · inews.id · japantimes.co.jp · jawapos.com · jedadulu.com · jpnn.com · jurnas.com · kapol.id · medcom.id · mediakampung.com · minanews.net · newsline.ph · nu.or.id · okezone.com · pendidikan.harianjogja.com · radargarut.id · radarkarawang.id · republika.co.id · riliskalimantan.com · rri.co.id · senggang.republika.co.id · sports.tribune.net.ph · stheadline.com · suarainvestor.com · tokyos.johas.go.jp · toonippo.co.jp · unej.ac.id · viva.co.id · www2.city.kyoto.lg.jp

This summary has been updated 13 times: see revision history