KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,163 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were reported in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya during the 20th Epidemiology Week (EW20) recently.
Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health director Dr Nor Aishah Abu Bakar said the figures show a 2.2 per cent increase compared with the 1,138 cases reported in EW19.
She said the HFMD situation was worrying in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya since mid-March.
"A total of 6,197 HFMD cases have been detected as of May 21, which is the last day of EW20 for this year.
"This is an increase of 14-fold in HFMD cases, as compared with the 403 cases reported in EW20 last year.
"The department has detected 408 outbreaks in KL and Putrajaya, which is a 12-fold increase compared with the 32 outbreaks reported in EW20 last year," she said in a statement, today.
She said the HFMD situation could be categorised as an epidemic when two or more cases occur during the same incubation period and in the same locality.
"HFMD infection is rapidly contagious, especially in children if they have contact with patients or those who have been infected with the disease.
"Therefore, we advise parents or guardians of children who show signs of HFMD infection such as ulcers in the mouth, or blisters on the hands and feet, to visit a clinic immediately for consultation and treatment.
"They should avoid bringing their children to public places, or sending them to nurseries, kindergartens or schools as this will further spread the infection."
Dr Nor Aishah also advised nursery or kindergarten operators as well as caregivers to conduct HFMD screenings at their premises to ensure that only children without symptoms are allowed to enter and interact with other children.
"In the meantime, the public are encouraged to continue practising personal hand hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and water especially after they have been in contact with suspected HFMD patients with rashes or blisters.
"Parents and caregivers are also advised to dispose of their children's disposable diapers properly, and for their house floors to be cleaned using chlorine-based disinfectants."