NEGRI Sembilan recorded 2,876 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) since January until yesterday, state Health, Environment, Cooperative and Consumerism Committee chairman S. Veerapan said.

He attributed the large number of cases reported this year in the state to the reopening of the education sector and public places.

The highest number of cases was recorded during the 20th epidemiological week (May 15-21), at 989, a threefold increase from the previous week, he said in a statement today.

On the total number of cases recorded, he said Seremban logged the highest, at 1,643, followed by Port Dickson (353), Jempol (298), Rembau (265), Tampin (131), Kuala Pilah (116) and Jelebu (70). 

He said there were 16 HFMD outbreaks still active in the state – out of the total 46 – with nine in Jempol, Seremban (three), Port Dickson (two) and one each in Rembau and Jelebu.

Of the 46 HFMD outbreaks, he said, 32 of them or 69.9% involved kindergartens and childcare centres, with 11 of them still ordered to remain close.

He advised parents or guardians to constantly monitor their children’s health and not send the children to school or kindergarten if they have symptoms of HFMD such as fever, ulcers in the mouth or blisters on the hands or feet. – Bernama, May 25, 2022.