ALL supermarkets and shopping complexes in Penang have been ordered to disinfect trolleys, toys and benches on their premises, following a spike in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in the state.

State Health, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, and Rural Development Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said the state Health Department issued the directive after checks revealed that the said objects were among the causes of the spread of HFMD.

He said the directive was issued on Friday, and the premises have been urged to use bleach at a ratio of 1:10 when disinfecting the objects.

“Yes, it is true that a directive has been issued, as mentioned on social media. As I’ve said before, HFMD is spread not just via trolleys at supermarkets or shopping malls, but also at children’s playgrounds.

“I hope the owners and operators of supermarkets and shopping centres heed the directive,” he told reporters after tucking into durian with members of the media at the Relau Agriculture Centre in Bayan Lepas.

He said 128 new HFMD cases were reported over the last two days, bringing the total to 2,559 in the state, compared with the 1,102 recorded in the same period last year.

He said 13 patients are being treated at Penang Hospital, Seberang Jaya Hospital and private hospitals.

“So far, 23 premises have been closed due to the spread of HFMD, namely four primary schools, nurseries (6), kindergartens (7), preschools (5) and nursery (1).

“The schools are SK Juara, SJK (C) Moh Ghee (Central), SJK (C) Beng Teik (Central) and SJK (C) Kwang Hwa.”

Symptoms of HFMD include fever, rashes on the palms and feet, and ulcers in the mouth. It is spread via contact with patients’ saliva, blisters or faeces. – Bernama, July 24, 2018.