Singapore Influenza Cases Rise, CDA Monitors Situation

By Anas Abu Hassan

SINGAPORE, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- Singapore recorded an increase in influenza cases, with the positivity rate rising to 36.6 per cent in the week from Aug 16 to 22, 2026, compared with 24.0 per cent in the previous week.

The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), however, said there was no indication that the infections were more severe than usual.

“The current influenza positivity levels remain below last year’s peak of 43.9 per cent observed in January 2025. CDA is monitoring the situation,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the CDA, Singapore national surveillance data indicate that seasonal influenza viruses circulate throughout the year, with periods of higher activity typically observed between May and August and December and March.

These bimodal peaks broadly coincide with the Northern and Southern Hemisphere winter periods, but the timing may vary from year to year due to factors such as international travel and population mixing patterns, it added.

The agency also advised individuals at higher risk of developing severe influenza infections, and vulnerable groups with underlying medical conditions, to receive their influenza vaccinations at least once a year.

-- BERNAMA