GEORGE TOWN – The spread of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) continues to be of concern in Penang, with 3,990 cases recorded from January to June this year compared to only 176 cases in the same period last year.
State Agrotechnology, Food Safety, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Norlela Ariffin said the cumulative number of HFMD cases in Penang has increased 22-fold.
She said the southwest district recorded the highest number of cases with 988, followed by Seberang Prai Tengah (867 cases), Seberang Prai Utara (826 cases), northeast (786 cases) and Seberang Prai Selatan with 523 cases.
However, so far, no district has been categorised as a red zone and the situation is still under control despite the increase in cases.
She said the clusters also increased 16-fold, as there have been 119 clusters recorded in the period this year compared to only seven clusters in the same period last year.
HFMD cases are common in children aged up to 6 years with 3,357 cases (88.65%), followed by the age group of 7 to 12 years with 377 cases (9.45%).
The rest are over 12 years with 256 cases (1.9%), she said in a statement today.
Norlela also advised all operators of nurseries and kindergartens to always ensure the cleanliness of the premises, including hardware and equipment used by children.
They were also asked to do screening at entrances to make sure the children have no signs of HFMD infection.
The Health Ministry recorded a total of 82,846 cases of HFMD as of June 4 nationwide, an increase of 32 times compared to last year. – The Vibes, June 7, 2022
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