THE hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak among children is a new cause of concern for parents who send their children to kindergartens.

The health ministry said last week that Malaysia recorded 31,661 cases of HFMD, 15 times the amount that was recorded within the same period last year.

Malaysian Kindergarten Teachers Association national president Sally Ng told The Malaysian Insight that before the Covid-19 outbreak, HFMD was the main source of the outbreak.

“It’s only because of Covid-19, the children have reduced contact. Now that everything is open, various factors have contributed to the HFMD outbreak,” Ng said.

Ng said kindergartens are now on high alert. In addition to observing Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs), she said other measures have also been put in place due.

“Wearing masks and washing hands are regular SOPs. Teachers will now check the students temperature and for any blisters on their body.

“Tables, chairs and toys must also be regularly sanitised and the children are no longer allowed to share them.”

Ng said as long as kindergartens follow SOPs, the HFMD infection can be stopped.

Parents must take responsibility and not send their children to kindergarten if they suspect their children have HFMD, she said.

“No matter what symptoms their child exhibits, they should bring them to the hospital so they don’t spread it to others.

“If kindergarten is forced to close due to this outbreak while the economy has reopened, it will inconvenience people.”

HFMD is common in infants and children younger than five years of age. Its symptoms include fever, sore throat, pain, redness, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks and rashes among others.

Lydia Looi, president of the Perak Kindergarten Teachers Association said teachers are more vigilant and will check on children for any unusual signs.

“In the mornings we check their mouths and hands. If we find something wrong we will immediately inform the parents to take their child to the doctor.”

Looi said while in the kindergarten, children are only allowed to take their masks off to eat.

“They are not allowed to take off their masks when they go outside because they are still young and don’t know how to maintain physical distance.

“Most kindergartens disinfect their premises daily and thorough disinfection will take place twice a week, we cannot be lax about it.”

Looi said besides adherence SOP, parents must also teach their children good hygiene and make sure they are resting and drinking enough water.

“Children should stay at home more and not go to the malls to avoid risk of infection,” she said.

Meanwhile Woon Pek Poon, president of the Kedah and Perlis Kindergarten Teachers Association said the new wave of HFMD has caused panic and worry.

Woon, who is also the chairman of the Kippo Preschool Education Association said HFMD often shows different symptoms and even the mildest case can be contagious.

“The speed in which it spreads is a concern. Teachers will be vigilant and if they notice anything the parents will be notified.”

Looi said teachers are however more prepared to deal with HFMD as they have been observing Covid-19 SOP for a while now.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said in n 2022, until May 14, Selangor contributed the largest number of cases compared to other states with 8,864 cases (28%) followed by Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya 4,421 cases (14%), Sabah 2,650 cases (8%), Perak 2,638 cases (8%) and Kelantan 2,493 cases (7.9%) while other states around or less than 1,500 cases.

He said that a total of 889 outbreaks were reported in Malaysia where the three highest states with recorded outbreaks were Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya which is 309 outbreaks (35%), followed by Selangor with 111 outbreaks (12%), and Perak 105 outbreaks (12%).

Noor Hisham said that the majority of outbreak locations occurred in kindergartens, nurseries, and pre-schools with 575 outbreaks (65%) followed by private homes with 305 outbreaks (34%), and childcare centres with 27 outbreaks (3%). – May 26, 2022.