HFMD cases on the rise in Sibu

SIBU: The hand, foot and mouth disease ( HFMD) infection in Sibu Division is showing an upward trend since July 8.

According to Sarawak Health Department, a total of 73 cases were reported in this Division for epid.(epidemiology) week 28, compared to 29 cases during epid. week 27, an increase of 151.7 per cent.

“Between Jan 1 and Aug 11, Sibu Division recorded 773 HFMD cases,” the department said in a statement yesterday.

It pointed out that Sarawak recorded a cumulative 5,986 HFMD cases between Jan 1 and Aug 11, with one fatality.

Kuching Division accounted for the highest number of cases at 1,362 followed by Miri ( 921), Mukah ( 914), Sibu (778), Bintulu (450), Samarahan ( 324), Serian ( 278), Limbang ( 215), Betong (195), Sri Aman (186), Sarikei (189) and Kapit (174).

A total of 462 cases or 59.4 per cent of the total HFMD infections reported in Sarawak from Jan 1 till Aug 11 involved children below the age of three.

During the same period last year, a total of 6,731 HFMD cases were reported in Sarawak, while throughout 2017, a total of 7,229 cases were recorded.

The department added: “Cumulatively, from Jan 1 till Aug 11 this year, 37 premises, comprising 11 nurseries, 23 kindergartens/preschools and several classes from three schools in Sarawak were closed due to the HFMD infection.”

In giving the breakdown of institutions closed by Division, Miri had 19, Limbang (six), Betong (five), Samarahan (four), Mukah (three) and Bintulu (one).

However, no institution in Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu and Kapit Divisions were instructed to close due to HFMD infection so far.

On preventive measures, the department emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards of personal and environmental hygiene to minimise the risk of HFMD, such as washing hands with soap especially before meal.

Parents should ensure that their children adopt good hygiene practices such as frequent washing of hands with soap and water before eating and after going to the toilet; covering mouth and nose with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, and throwing the tissue away into a bin immediately and do not share food/drinks, eating utensils, toothbrushes, toys or towels with others.

Parents are also advised to ensure their children avoid rubbing their eyes, touching their mouth and nose after touching any surface or facilities used by the public.

Parents should also practise good hygiene and ensure that articles such as toys, appliances or surfaces that are contaminated by nasal or oral secretions are cleaned and disinfected before they are used again.

“Parents should consult a doctor early if their child has fever, mouth ulcers and rashes on the palms, soles or buttocks,” it advised.

Children with HFMD should remain at home until all the blisters have dried up.

During this period, contact with other children – including siblings should be avoided until the child recovers.

The affected child should not be brought to any public or crowded places.

The department also advised teachers to do gate keeping by screening children before entering the class.