Five new cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) have been detected at the Vocational College (Agriculture) in Teluk Intan, according to a statement from the Perak Health Department issued Thursday.

It said that from the five throat swabs taken from the college, three were found to be positive of influenza A (H3), two samples were positive of influenza B while the other was negative.

Up to yesterday, the ILI outbreak involved students of Sekolah Menengah (SM) Raja Perempuan Taayah (230) in Ipoh, SM Abdul Rahman Talib in Teluk Intan (87), Sekolah Kebangsaan Klebang Jaya (3), Sekolah Tuanku Abdul Rahman (115), Sekolah Izzudin Shah, Ipoh (25), Vocational College in Slim River (13), Sekolah Menengah Agama (SMA) Sultan Azlan Shah in Bota (13) and SMA Darul Ridzuan in Tapah (26).

Out of the number, 245 students have been isolated in their respective school hostels while three others warded in hospital had been discharged.

Meanwhile, State Health, Public Transportation, Non-Muslim Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman, Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said most of the students who were isolated had recovered from their illness and were back to their daily routine.

"Some of the students were allowed to return home today. Those who have not fully recovered from the illness including the affected Teluk Intan Vocational College students will be isolated at their homes as tomorrow is the last day of the current school term.

"Parents are advised not to allow their children leave the house for as long as they have not fully recovered from the illness and if their children have signs of the illness worsening, they should immediately be taken to the clinic or hospital," he said when contacted by Bernama, here.

Dr Mah also advised students to take preventive measures like practising good hygiene, besides wearing a face mask and using hand sanitizer. -- Bernama