THE Pahang Health Department recorded 1,145 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) as of May 7, a sixfold increase compared with only 190 cases in the corresponding period last year.

Its director, Dr Nor Azimi Yunus, said of the total, 138 cases or 12.1% were detected in nurseries, kindergartens and preschools while the rest were sporadic.

She said HFMD mostly infected children aged six and below, with 1,093 cases, followed by 43 cases involving those aged seven to 12, with the rest involving children above 12. 

“This disease can infect all ages, especially children aged five and below. The virus can be spread through direct contact with saliva, blisters and faeces of those infected,” she said in a statement today.

“The infection is usually mild with symptoms of fever followed by blister-like rash on the hands, feet, mouth and tongue. Almost all patients with HFMD recover without treatment within seven to 10 days.”  

Therefore, Nor Azimi said, operators and caretakers of nurseries, kindergartens and preschools should always ensure that the basic habits of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained at all times, and they should conduct screening at the entrance of their premises to ensure that no child was infected with HFMD.

Apart from that, people are advised to wash their hands with soap and clean water after using the toilet, before preparing food and after changing diapers.

Nor Azimi also advised parents and guardians to ensure that HFMD-infected children are not taken to public places such as swimming pools, markets and shopping malls. – Bernama, May 10, 2022.