KUALA SELANGOR: From Jan 1 until July 26, up to 37,986 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were reported across the country, with all states except Sarawak registering a rise compared to the corresponding period last year.
Selangor has the highest number of HFMD cases at 11,349, followed by Kuala Lumpur (4,428) and Sarawak (4,412).
“The number of outbreaks detected is 1,093, with 539 premises temporarily shut down as a result.
“Of the total number of premises closed, 241 were nurseries, 259 were kindergartens and 39 were schools,” said Health Minister Dr Zulkefly Ahmad.
He said the ministry is calling on all parties, especially parents and teachers, to play their role in maintaining good personal hygiene at home and at school; and monitoring children for HFMD symptoms.
“As for other parties, we are also asking the private sector to help donate hand sanitisers to schools (nationwide) as part of efforts to curb the disease’s spread,” Dr Zulkefly added.
HFMD is a disease caused by a virus, especially the Coxsackie A16 and the Enterovirus 71 (E71), which is transmitted through direct contact with the mucous, saliva, blisters and stool of the infected.