DEPUTY DG: HFMD UNDER CONTROL

SEREMBAN: A total of 381 childcare centres nationwide were closed from January until July 14, following the spread of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), said Health deputy director-general (public health) Datuk Dr Azman Abu Bakar. He said the closure involved 179 nurseries, 181 kindergartens and 21 schools. “We took immediate preventive measures and so far, there has been no fatalities. The disease has remained endemic, but it is under control,” he said.