According to Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah, Director-General of Health Malaysia said Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases in Malaysia has increased at an alarming rate this year compared to the same period last year.
Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah said Malaysia has recorded 31,661 HFMD cases as of May 14, in the same week last year, only 2,121 cases were recorded, showing an increase of 349%. A total of 889 outbreaks were reported in Malaysia, and the top three states with the highest number of recorded outbreaks were Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya with 309 outbreaks (35%), followed by Selangor with 111 outbreaks (12%), and Perak with 105 outbreaks (12%).
HFMD mostly affects children especially those in nurseries, kindergartens, daycare/ preschool centers and primary school.
Symptoms of the HFMD include fever followed by blisters on the hand, feet, mouth and tongue.
Here are a few ways to prevent HFMD:
- Keep the hands clean by frequent handwashing.
- Sanitize/ disinfect the area that is frequently touched.
- Avoid close contact with a person with HFMD.
- Avoid sharing eating utensils or other personal belongings.
Most important of all, if your child has HFMD, you can help to protect other children by notifying the childcare centers, kindergartens or schools and quarantine your child for at least 10 days to stop the spread of HFMD.
Image Source:The Star
