Though the influenza virus in Macau has dropped below the alert level, the new coronavirus has become active again, the Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement yesterday, reminding high-risk groups, including senior citizens, people with severe chronic underlying diseases and those with low immunity, to have the JN.1 new coronavirus vaccination as soon as possible, and seek medical treatment with antiviral medication as soon as possible after infection.
According to the bureau, the number of emergency department visits in the recent week has decreased compared to the previous week, with an average of 1,190 visits per day, while the number of influenza-like illness (ILI) visits has increased compared to the previous week, with an average of 83 visits per day, which indicates that respiratory viruses are still active in Macau at the moment.
Moreover, data shows that the positive rate for new coronaviruses in the last week was 13.7 percent, a significant increase from 3.8 percent in the previous week, and is expected to remain active in the coming weeks, the statement said, while the positive rate for influenza viruses has been on a downward trend, from 10.5 percent in the previous week to 5.4 percent in the latest week, which is below the alert level of 13.1 percent.
According to the bureau, the overall respiratory infectious disease situation in Macau is stable, with a number of respiratory viruses, all of which are known to be common pathogens, prevalent.
A total of 46 clusters of influenza-like illnesses have been recorded so far in 2025, the statement said, adding that there have been no critical or fatal cases of the new coronavirus in Macau so far this year.
The statement also pointed out that the treatment of anti-coronavirus medication can prevent the virus from replicating, and taking antiviral medication within five days after infection with the new coronavirus can effectively reduce the risk of serious illness and death.
This poster provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday urges high-risk groups, including senior citizens, pregnant women, and people with severe chronic underlying diseases to get the JN.1 new coronavirus vaccination as soon as possible.
