A school in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah has been ordered to close for seven days, beginning today, after seven of its students were tested positive for Influenza A or H1N1 virus.

Sabah Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Frankie Poon Ming Fung said seven students from SK Stella Maris in Tanjung Aru were tested positive for Influenza A or H1N1.

He said all of them were receiving treatment at private hospitals and clinics around Kota Kinabalu and reported to be in stable condition.

“The decision to close SK Stella Maris was made by the Kota Kinabalu Health Office due to the spread of the Influenza A virus,” he said in a statement in Kota Kinabalu today.

He also advised parents not to send their sick children to school to prevent the spread of the disease.

He said despite the increase in number, it was still under control and the Sabah Health Department will regularly monitor influenza activity throughout the year and to detect any unusual changes in the influenza virus. — Bernama