Subclade K influenza virus not detected in Myanmar, public urged not to panic

The Ministry of Health has announced that the Subclade K virus, which has been reported in 34 countries worldwide, has not yet been detected in Myanmar.

The Ministry stated that it is continuously monitoring the occurrence of infectious diseases affecting the respiratory tract, including influenza. According to disease surveillance data, the seasonal influenza virus Influenza A (H3N2) has been circulating in Myanmar in previous years and, since September this year, has been the predominant circulating seasonal influenza strain. Although laboratory testing has not detected the Influenza A (H3N2) Subclade K virus in Myanmar, the Ministry assessed that the general population is likely to have a moderate level of immunity against Influenza A (H3N2). In addition, currently used influenza vaccines and antiviral medicines are effective for prevention and treatment. Therefore, the Ministry concluded that there is no need for the public to be unduly concerned.

According to the World Health Organization’s global seasonal influenza update released on December 10, the transmission of seasonal influenza has been increasing since September, the winter season of 2025, both globally and across various regions, including Asia, the Ministry said.

However, the Ministry noted that the level of transmission is not higher than that seen during usual annual seasonal influenza outbreaks. This year, Influenza A (H3N2) has been the predominant seasonal influenza strain circulating in many regions worldwide, and transmission of Influenza A (H3N2) Subclade K has been reported in 34 countries over the past six months. The World Health Organization has also stated that currently available influenza vaccines can provide protection against these virus strains, and that existing medicines can be used for treatment in cases of severe illness, according to the Ministry of Health.