The rise in influenza cases has left many parents anxious about their children's well-being in schools and public spaces. The unexpected loss of an 11-year-old boy from Terengganu due to influenza has left his family and community in deep sorrow.

Muhammad Amsyar Farhan Mohd Noor, a Year Five pupil at Sekolah Kebangsaan Durian Mas, Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, Dungun, passed away on Wednesday at the Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Health Clinic.

His mother, Normala Mohd Nor, said Amsyar had shown only mild flu symptoms on Tuesday morning. Concerned, she brought him to a private clinic in Paka for treatment, where a swab test confirmed he was infected with influenza. The doctor prescribed antiviral medication, and Amsyar appeared stable at the time.

However, his condition deteriorated later that night. Normala said her son vomited several times but was still able to eat and speak. After the third bout, his body began to convulse, throwing the family into panic.

“I rushed him to the Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Health Clinic around 11pm. Even then, his temperature wasn’t high, and he could still talk to his father,” she recalled softly.

Just a few hours later, at around 1.40am, doctors delivered the heartbreaking news, Amsyar had passed away.

“I couldn’t believe it. Everything happened so fast,” said Normala, holding back tears.

Amsyar, the youngest of two siblings, was known to be an active and healthy child with no history of chronic illness. His funeral, initially planned for 10am on Wednesday, was postponed as the case was referred to the Ministry of Health for further investigation. His remains were later brought to Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital for a post-mortem before being laid to rest at the Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Islamic Cemetery after Maghrib prayers.

The Terengganu State Health Department has yet to issue an official statement on the cause of death.

Earlier, a similar case was reported in Sarawak, where a four-year-old boy died after testing positive for influenza A. The exact cause of that death also remains under investigation.

If you notice flu symptoms in your child, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Early intervention can make all the difference!

Source / Image Credit : Sinar Daily