Ten influenza A subclade K cases identified, with elderly patient death reported
A newly detected influenza strain has drawn public attention in Indonesia after several patients in Bandung were confirmed to be infected, prompting health authorities to reinforce surveillance and prevention measures nationwide.
Rising Detection of Influenza A Subclade K
Ten patients at Hasan Sadikin General Hospital (RSHS) in Bandung tested positive for influenza A subclade K, commonly referred to by the public as “super flu.” The cases were confirmed following laboratory sequencing results released in January 2026 by Indonesia’s Ministry of Health. Patients were treated at RSHS between September and November 2025.
One Death Linked to Severe Comorbidities
One elderly patient with multiple comorbid conditions died while receiving intensive care. According to Dr. Yovita Hartantri, Chairperson of the New Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Disease Team at RSHS, the patient suffered from stroke and heart disease. She emphasized during a January 8, 2026 press conference that the direct cause of death could not be attributed solely to the virus due to the patient’s underlying conditions.
Surveillance Intensified After Pandemic Decline
Following the easing of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2023, the Ministry of Health instructed hospitals nationwide to strengthen surveillance for influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infections. Patients presenting symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, and shortness of breath were tested, with samples sent to the Central Health Laboratory for Biological Research in Jakarta.
Infection Trends Peaked in Late 2025
Hospital screening data showed a rise in influenza A cases from August to September 2025, peaking in October before declining in November. Sequencing analysis completed in January 2026 confirmed the presence of influenza A subclade K among the RSHS patients, indicating delayed but crucial detection.
Patients Across Age Groups Affected
Of the ten confirmed cases, two were infants aged 9 months and one year, while most patients were between 20 and 60 years old. Two patients were over the age of 60. Two cases were categorized as critical, highlighting the heightened risk faced by elderly individuals and those with existing health conditions.
Health Officials Urge Calm and Prevention
Medical and Nursing Director of RSHS Bandung, Iwan Abdul Rachman, clarified that “super flu” is not a formal medical term and should not cause public panic. He noted that infection trends are declining and stressed preventive measures such as regular handwashing, mask use, and avoiding close contact when experiencing flu symptoms. The virus spreads through droplets, making basic hygiene critical.
The detection of influenza A subclade K underscores the importance of post-pandemic disease surveillance and public health readiness. For Indonesia and neighboring Singapore, where regional mobility remains high, early detection, transparent communication, and preventive behavior remain essential to minimizing cross-border health risks and protecting vulnerable populations.
Sources: EN Tempo (2026) , EN Tempo 2 (2026)
Keywords: Super Flu, Influenza A, Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Ministry Of Health, Virus Monitoring
