GEORGE TOWN – Penang has nearly 1,000 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) between January and May 7.
State health exco Dr Norlela Ariffin said the caseload showed an 8.4-fold increase compared to only 102 HFMD cases in the same period last year.
She added that the southwest district has 300 cases, followed by the Seberang Prai Utara district with 251 cases.
“This is followed by the northeast district which has 216 cases, Seberang Prai Tengah (122) and Seberang Prai Selatan with 70 cases.
“So far, a total of 54 HFMD clusters have been reported compared to only seven reported last year,” she said in a statement today.
Norlela added that 54 premises have been ordered to close by the state Health Department since the beginning of this year.
However, she said, all premises were operating as usual, with the last reopening of the premises involved on May 3.
Norlela also advised the public to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Among them are practising good personal hygiene and regular washing of hands with soap.
“Always maintain cleanliness in the house and the surrounding, cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and do not share clothes, towels, utensils, food and drinks, and toys.”
Meanwhile, Kedah had 102 HFMD cases between May 1 and 7, said state Health and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mohd Hayati Othman. – The Vibes, May 12, 2022
