Influenza A epidemic spreads, schools in Con Cuong temporarily close students to prevent the epidemic
With more than 160 students infected with influenza A, Con Cuong Secondary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities has given students a temporary break to disinfect, sterilize, and prevent the epidemic.
In early November 2025, the Influenza A epidemic broke out and spread rapidly among boarding students at Con Cuong Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities, Nghe An province. According to school statistics, currently, more than 160 students out of nearly 400 students in the whole school have shown symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, dizziness... and have been diagnosed by doctors with Influenza A.
Tran Thi Anh Nguyet, a medical officer at Con Cuong Ethnic Boarding Secondary School, said: "Most students with influenza A have mild symptoms, and no severe cases have been recorded. However, the number of cases has increased rapidly due to the students' concentrated activities. The school's medical department has checked, made a monitoring list, and instructed students to rest and receive treatment at home."
As soon as the epidemic spread rapidly, Con Cuong Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities Boarding School coordinated with Con Cuong Medical Center to spray disinfectants and sterilize the entire school campus, dormitory, dining hall and communal living area; increased propaganda to teachers and students about disease prevention measures such as wearing masks, washing hands regularly, eating cooked food and drinking boiled water, and immediately reporting to medical staff if there are any unusual signs. At the same time, parents were instructed to take their children for examination and treatment according to the doctor's instructions.
Along with that, Con Cuong Secondary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities has also asked for permission from superiors and allowed students to temporarily stop going to school to disinfect and sterilize the entire school campus. It is expected that students will return to school after the disinfection work is completed and when the epidemic situation has stabilized.
Mr. Trinh Dang Khoa - Vice Principal of Con Cuong Secondary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities said: "This is the first time the school has recorded such a large number of sick students. Not only students but also some teachers have shown flu symptoms. Currently, the school is actively monitoring the health of students and will organize make-up classes to stabilize learning when the epidemic is safely controlled."
Influenza A is an acute respiratory infection caused by seasonal influenza viruses. Common strains of influenza A viruses are A/H5N1, A/H1N1, A/H3N2, A/H7N9.
To prevent influenza A, the Department of Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health recommends using measures for regular seasonal flu:
Wash your hands with soap regularly, 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 your nose, throat, and eyes every day; avoid close contact with sick people or people suspected of having the flu.
Eat nutritious foods to prevent influenza virus infection.
Regularly clean and wipe surfaces, objects in daily contact, and floors with soap or common detergents; open windows to ventilate your home, classroom, and office.
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 medical facilities for examination, consultation, treatment and prevention of the spread. Early recognition and detection of signs of the disease can help in timely treatment, minimizing deaths.
Families should take their children to get vaccinated on schedule, with enough doses and booster shots to proactively prevent epidemics.
