Practise high level of hygiene to avoid HFMD – State Health director

SIBU: The public has been reminded to practise a high level of personal hygiene to avoid possible contraction of hand, food and mouth disease ( HFMD) caused by the mass congregation of people during the Hari Raya holidays.

State Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim said maintaining a high level of personal and environmental hygiene helps to reduce the risk of HFMD infection.

However, she noted there was no spike in the number of HFMD cases in Sarawak one week prior to, during, and after Gawai Dayak.

“The public must maintain a high level of personal and environmental hygiene to reduce the risk of HFMD infection. On top of that, parents should consult a doctor early if their child has fever, mouth ulcers and rashes on the palms, soles or buttocks.

“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,” she told The Borneo Post yesterday.

She also encouraged parents to inform the nearest district health office if their children, especially preschoolers, were infected with HFMD.

Dr Jamilah further said there were 6,121 cases of HFMD reported as of EW (Epid Week) 24, 2017, a nearly three-fold increase as compared to the same period last year.

“For the past one month, the number of reported HFMD in Sarawak is below the five-year mean level.”

She added that the warning level for HFMD in the state is 246 cases per week, and 365 cases per week for epidemic level.

As of EW21 this year, Dr Jamilah said Kuching (1,520), Sibu (670) and Miri (655) districts have reported the most HFMD cases in the state.

Others included Bintulu ( 302), Betong ( 224), Limbang (148), Sarikei (129), Marudi (103), Belaga (94), Mukah (90), Kanowit ( 84), Kapit ( 82), Lubok Antu (74), Song ( 58), Dalat ( 56), Saratok ( 53), Meradong ( 52), Pakan (43), Daro ( 36), Lawas ( 36), Matu ( 35), Selangau ( 31), Julau ( 20) and Tatau (18).

She also disclosed that a total of 42 pre- schools and 18 childcare centres were reported to have clusters of HFMD, of which 13 voluntarily closed while 17 others were closed under the Control and Prevention Act 1988.

She said while no HFMDrelated fatality has occurred this year, a total of 233 victims were admitted to hospital due to lack of appetite and high fever.