HFMD cases in Negri and Melaka continue to climb

SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan recorded 2,249 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) from January until May 19, said state health, environment, cooperatives and consumerism committee chairman S. Veerapan.

He said the cumulative number of cases in the current week was 766, a two-fold increase from the previous week.

Seremban recorded the most at 1,358, followed by Port Dickson (274), Jempol (200), Rembau (197), Kuala Pilah (87), Tampin (83) and Jelebu (50).

“The cumulative outbreak of HFMD in the state this year is 35, four of which are still active, namely three in Jempol and one in Kuala Pilah,” he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.

He added that the significant increase in cases this year was, among others, due to the reopening of the education sector and public places.

In Melaka, nurseries, kindergartens and childcare centres recording more than four cases of HFMD will be closed for 10 days in accordance with the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, said state Health Department director Dr Rusdi Abd Rahman.

Therefore, he urged operators of the premises to immediately report such cases to the department or be subjected to court action.

“HFMD can often go away on its own but sometimes it will lead to severe complications like myocarditis or inflammation of the heart muscle and that is what we fear most.

“If there are more than four cases reported, the premises will be closed and if there are only two cases but we find many children in the premises have fever but no blisters, we will also close the premises,” he told reporters after taking part in the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 enforcement operation on Thursday night.

Dr Rusdi said HFMD cases in Melaka were showing an increasing trend and as of Wednesday, 1,633 cases were recorded in three districts and 20 premises were ordered to close.

Of the 1,633, 772 cases were reported in Melaka Tengah, 516 in Alor Gajah and 345 in Jasin.