Surge in HFMD cases in most states

KUALA LUMPUR: There is a surge in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases, and the numbers in most states had increased beyond the warning level, the Health Ministry said.

From May 26, the number of cases reported so far were 21,644 compared with 19,398 for the same period last year, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

“The HFMD is easily spread to others, especially children, in places where they gather, such as nurseries and kindergartens,” he said in a statement.

So far this year, 316 nurseries, kindergartens, daycare centres and preschools reported HFMD clusters in their premises, making up 52% of outbreaks reported, said Dr Noor Hisham.

The other 48% of outbreaks occurred in 281 private homes (46%), 11 day care centres (2%), primary schools (three clusters) and one cluster in a children’s hospital ward.

The HFMD virus spreads through the saliva, blisters and faeces of patients. Most cases were mild with symptoms such as fever, rashes with blisters on the hands, feet, mouth and tongue, Dr Noor Hisham said.

“Almost all patients who were infected would recover without treatment within seven to 10 days.

“Nevertheless, the EV71 infection could cause severe complications, such as encephalitis, pulmonary edema and myocarditis,” he said.

The ministry urged the public, especially the operators of outlets that provide services to children, to ensure that their places are clean, including gadgets used by children.

Parents are also advised not to bring their sick children to public places and to clean the children’s toys and their house floors.