IPOH: There have been 144 hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases reported among children in Hilir Perak and Bagan Datuk, says Mohd Akmal Kamaruddin.
The Perak health committee chairman said in the first week of May, 143 cases involved children below six and another involved a child between the age of seven and 12.
Mohd Akmal said there were seven outbreak areas – six in Hilir Perak and one in Bagan Datuk.
"The five locations are at pre-schools, day care centres and kindergartens, while two outbreaks occurred at a child care centre," he said in a statement on Friday (May 6).
"The majority of the HFMD cases in the two districts are caused by the pan-enterovirus," he said.
Mohd Akmal said the virus is spread through contact with saliva, blister discharge and faeces from an infected individual.
"The infections are usually mild with fever, followed by blisters on hands, feet, mouth and tongue.
"Most patients with HFMD will recover without treatment within seven to 10 days," he said.
Mohd Akmal said the people have been advised to ensure that their children are free from HFMD before sending them to schools or care centres to prevent the disease from spreading.
"Children with symptoms need to be taken to the nearest clinic or hospital for checks and treatment.
"Parents are also advised not to bring their children with symptoms to public places, including swimming pools, market, shopping complexes, bus stations and other locations," he added.
In a separate press release issued by the Perak Health Department crisis preparedness and response centre, its spokesman said there had been a total of 1,636 cases as of April 30.
The spokesman said those infected included 1,557 children aged six and below, 70 children aged between seven and 12 and nine children aged above 12.
"As of the April 30, there had been 100 epidemics reported in the state, including Kinta with 28 epidemics, Larut, Matang and Selama (18) and Hulu Perak (eight)," he said, adding that an epidemic would be reported if there were two or more cases detected from the same premises within 10 days.
"The locations for these epidemics are at 69 kindergarten, pre-school or daycare centres, 28 homes, two childcare centres and one primary school," he added.
The spokesman said the majority of the cases were caused by Coxsackie Virus A16 and Enterovirus 71 (EV71), which were spread through saliva, blister discharge and faeces from patients.
"Those who got infected by EV71 could have complications including encephalitis, pulmonary edema and myocarditis," he said, adding that it takes two days for the virus to incubate.
The spokesman said that people, especially parents, should always wash their hands with clean water and soap after using the toilet, before preparing food and after changing diapers.
"Always maintain personal hygiene, the cleanliness of the surroundings, and to disinfect things that are regularly touched," he added.
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