GEORGE TOWN, June 7 (Bernama) — Penang has recorded 3,990 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) from January to the 23rd epidemiology week of this year, a 22-fold increase compared to the same period last year.
State Agrotechnology and Food Safety, Rural Development, and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin, in a statement today said only 176 HFMD cases were logged last year, while there were 1,727 cases in 2019.
She said during the same period, 119 HFMD clusters were reported or a 16-fold increase from the seven clusters recorded in 2021.
Norlela said the Barat Daya district recorded the highest number of cases at 988 (24.8 per cent), followed by Seberang Perai Tengah with 867 cases (21.7 per cent), Seberang Perai Utara (826 cases or 20.7 per cent), Timur Laut (786 cases or 19.7 per cent) and Seberang Perai Selatan (523 cases or 13.1 per cent).
She said most of the reported HFMD cases in Penang were among children aged six years and below, which was 3, 357 cases or 88.65 per cent, followed by children in the age group of seven to 12 with 377 cases (9.45 per cent), while those over 12 years had 256 cases (1.9 per cent).
As such, Norlela advised all operators and caregivers in nurseries and kindergartens to always ensure the cleanliness of the premises including equipment and appliances used by children.
“Operators and caregivers in kindergartens must also conduct screenings at the entrance to ensure that only children without HFMD symptoms are allowed to enter the premises.
“Children with symptoms are advised not to attend school to help prevent the spread of HFMD,” she said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency