PENANG has witnessed a sharp increase in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases during the first three months of 2025, with a staggering 3,446 cases reported from January 1 to March 22.
This marks a remarkable rise of 409 per cent, or 2,769 additional cases, compared to the 677 cases recorded in the same period last year.
State Youth, Sports, and Health Committee Chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, said the Seberang Perai Tengah district had the highest number of cases, recording 1,082, followed by Seberang Perai Selatan with 700, Timur Laut at 628, Barat Daya with 620, and Seberang Perai Utara at 416.
"In the 12th Epidemiological Week, from March 16 to 22, a total of 422 new HFMD cases were reported, reflecting an increase of 25 cases or 6.3 per cent from the previous week. In the same period, 22 new HFMD clusters were also identified," Gooi said during a press conference at Komtar today.
Gooi further detailed that out of the 112 clusters reported this year, 81 or 72.3 per cent involved preschools (8), daycare centres (24), kindergartens (39), and early childhood education centres (10). The remaining 30 outbreaks occurred in primary schools, with one reported in a daycare centre.
However, he reassured the public that only 26 of the clusters are still active, and all reported cases have exhibited mild symptoms, with patients treated as outpatients.
"The primary virus responsible for the surge in HFMD cases in Penang is Coxsackievirus A16, which is transmitted through contact with saliva, blister fluid, and faeces of infected individuals. Most cases exhibit mild symptoms, including fever followed by blisters on the hands, feet, mouth, and tongue. Nearly all patients recover at home within seven to 10 days without requiring specific treatment," Gooi explained.
Despite the alarming rise in cases, Gooi also confirmed that there was one case of Enterovirus 71 detected this year, though it was not severe.
In light of the rising HFMD cases, the State Health Department has urged the public to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures, including practicing good personal hygiene and ensuring cleanliness in homes and the environment.
Also present at the briefing were Penang State Health Department Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr. Rozaini Mat Shah, and Principal Assistant Director of Infectious Disease Control, Noor Farhana Mohd Fathil. - March 28, 2025
