Hand, foot and mouth case on rise in Labuan
LABUAN: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases have soared in the duty-free-island here, with 240 cases recorded to date, compared to 270 throughout last year.
The new cases were in Tadika Ayu Gemilang with four cases reported in May 23.
One kindergarten was ordered to close last month.
The beginning of the rising case was in early March (on the ninth week of 2018), with 17 cases recorded before shooting up to 21 in April (15th week) and down to 11 cases this week.
“We have witnessed the increase trend in this communicable desease, and we believe the outbreak starts from the beginning of recent long public holiday,” Labuan Health Director Dr Ismuni Bohari said yesterday.
He disclosed at least four outbreaks were detected since early this year but still under control.
Dr Ismuni said most of those infected had just returned from Sabah.
Dr Ismuni said his department through its health clinics had taken immediate steps to contain the outbreaks of the disease within a week.
He reminded parents and caregivers to immediately bring children with HFMD symptoms to doctors for treatment.
“Caretakers also have to practise hand-washing with soap after going to the toilet or changing diapers.
“Although HFMD patients usually have mild symptoms, the disease can spread very rapidly, especially among (young children) at childcare centres and preschools,” Dr Ismuni said.
Sabah Health Director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi on June 6 said up to 940 cases of HFMD had been recorded in the state as of the middle of last month -- an increase of 27 per cent compared to the same period last year.
She said the state capital registered the highest number of cases at 250, followed by Beaufort (148), Sandakan (111), Penampang (109), Tawau (63), Kuala Penyu (40), Tuaran (35) and Putatan (31).
Sabah Education Director Datuk Hajah Maimunah Suhaibul said that Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Cheng Hwa in Papar would be closed for two weeks after a district health office diagnosed several pupils with HFMD.