HFMD: More than 6,000 cases reported in the Klang Valley since March

PETALING JAYA: A total of 6,197 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were reported in the Klang Valley until the end of the 20th epidemiological week (ME) on Saturday (May 21), says the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department.

This is 14 times the number of cases within the same period last year, FT Health director Dr Nor Aishah Abu Bakar said in a statement Monday (May 23).

ALSO READ: Concern over sudden spike in HFMD cases

"Only 403 cases were reported in the same period last year.

"The number of cases for ME20 also saw a 2.2% rise (1,163 cases) as compared to the 1,138 cases reported in ME19," she said.

ALSO READ: Govt to look into closing of kindergartens, child care centres to avoid spread of HFMD

Meanwhile, she explained that the department also saw a 13-fold increase in the number of cases classified as an outbreak compared to the same ME last year.

"Some 408 cases of outbreak were reported in ME20 this year compared to 32 cases in the same ME in 2021.

"Cases are classified as an outbreak when there are two or more cases in the same incubation period and locality," she said.

ALSO READ: Parents confident of schools’ good hygiene amid HFMD

Dr Nor Aishah advised parents to refrain from sending their children to public places if they have symptoms of HFMD (ulcers in the mouth, rash or blisters on the hands and feet).

"If your children exhibit these symptoms, please seek further treatment," she said.

She added that kindergarten teachers should also monitor children who are exhibiting symptoms and stop them from entering the premises where they would interact with other children.