With the spread of influenza A, schools in Con Cuong have temporarily closed to help combat the outbreak.
With over 160 students infected with influenza A, Con Cuong Ethnic Boarding Secondary School has temporarily suspended classes for disinfection and disease prevention.
In early November 2025, an outbreak of Influenza A occurred and spread rapidly among boarding students at Con Cuong Ethnic Boarding Secondary School in Nghe An province. According to school statistics, currently, more than 160 out of nearly 400 students in the school have shown symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and dizziness, and have been diagnosed with Influenza A by doctors.
Tran Thi Anh Nguyet, a health officer at Con Cuong Ethnic Boarding Secondary School, said: “Most students infected with influenza A have mild symptoms, and no severe cases have been recorded. However, the number of cases is increasing rapidly due to the students' close living arrangements. The school's health department has checked, compiled a list for monitoring, and instructed students to rest and receive treatment at home.”
Upon detecting the rapid spread of the disease, Con Cuong Ethnic Boarding Secondary School coordinated with the Con Cuong Health Center to disinfect the entire school grounds, dormitories, cafeteria, and communal living areas. They also intensified efforts to educate teachers and students on preventive measures such as wearing masks, frequent handwashing, eating cooked food and drinking boiled water, and immediately reporting any unusual symptoms to the health authorities. Simultaneously, they instructed parents to take their children for examination and treatment according to doctors' instructions.
In addition, Con Cuong Ethnic Boarding Secondary School has also sought approval from higher authorities and allowed students to temporarily suspend classes to carry out disinfection and sanitization of the entire school grounds. It is expected that students will return to school after the disinfection is completed and when the epidemic situation has stabilized.
Mr. Trinh Dang Khoa, Deputy Principal of Con Cuong Ethnic Boarding Secondary School, said: “This is the first time the school has recorded such a large number of students falling ill. Not only students but also some teachers have shown flu-like symptoms. Currently, the school is actively monitoring the health of students and will organize make-up classes to stabilize learning once the epidemic is safely under control.”
Influenza A is an acute respiratory infection caused by seasonal influenza viruses. Common strains of influenza A viruses include A/H5N1, A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and A/H7N9.
To prevent influenza A, the Department of Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, recommends using measures similar to those used for common seasonal influenza:
Wash your hands frequently with soap, avoid touching your eyes and nose as much as possible, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; do not spit indiscriminately; use antiseptic solutions for the nose, throat, and eyes daily; avoid close contact with sick people or those suspected of having the flu.
Eating nutritious food can help prevent influenza virus infection.
Regularly clean and wipe down surfaces, everyday objects, and floors with soap or common detergents; open windows to ventilate living spaces, classrooms, and offices.
In addition, people can get vaccinated to prevent the disease. Those with high fever and difficulty breathing should proactively isolate themselves, wear masks, and go to a medical facility for examination, consultation, and treatment to prevent further spread. Early recognition and detection of symptoms can help ensure timely treatment and minimize fatalities.
Families should ensure their children receive all vaccinations on schedule, including booster shots, to proactively prevent infectious diseases.
