HFMD cases in Negri record 25-fold increase compared to last year

SEREMBAN: The number of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Negri Sembilan has risen to 1,446, representing a 25-fold increase compared to the same period last year.

State Health, Environment, Cooperatives and Consumerism Committee chairman S. Veerapan said the increase could be attributed to the re-opening of the education sector and public places.

He said Seremban had the highest number of cases with 834, followed by Port Dickson (184), Jempol and Rembau (140 each), Kuala Pilah (66), Tampin (53) and Jelebu (29).

"The health authorities have taken steps to educate the public on HFMD prevention measures and have been monitoring nurseries and pre-schools.

“Premises where an unusually high number of cases were reported have also been ordered to temporarily close,” he said.

Veerapan urged parents to keep a close watch on their children and to keep them at home if they displayed symptoms such as fever, ulcers in their mouth or blisters on their hands and feet.

"Teachers and supervisors at schools and these centres should also tighten gate keeping activities to prevent more cases," he said, adding that they should also exercise personal hygiene by frequently washing their hands with soap.