Possible rise in HFMD cases this festive season
SIBU: There is a call for the public to be vigilant as mass movement of people during Chinese New Year may trigger a rise in the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases in the state.
The warning is based on the data from the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) of state Health Department’s Communicable Disease Control Section, showing that for the period to date (January-February) this year, the cumulative HFMD cases stood at 1,383 versus 469 recorded in the same period last year.
State Health director Datu Dr Zulkif li Jantan observed that cases appeared to be showing an upward trend.
“With the Chinese New Year approaching with the inf lux of people returning home for the celebration, we urge parents and guardians to be more vigilant.
“We have seen a spike of HFMD cases during festive seasons before due to the mass movement of people.
“Hence, it is imperative that people practise proper personal hygiene, especially washing their hands as often as possible,” Dr Zulkif li told The Borneo Post yesterday.
For the Epidemiology (Epid) Week 5 (Feb 1-7) of this year, the CPRC recorded 491 cases in the state, with Kuching Division registering the highest number at 332.
This is followed Miri with 330 cases, Sibu (292), Bintulu (103), Samarahan (82), Sarikei (58), Betong (56), Mukah (54), Sri Aman (53), Kapit (13) and Limbang (10).
Dr Zulkif li further advised parents to avoid bringing their young children to crowded places such as shopping complexes and wedding receptions.
He also stressed on the importance of regular handwashing with soap/hand sanitiser after visiting toilets, coughing or sneezing as well as before taking meals and preparing food.