HFMD: Child care centres should close even only with one case, says Kelantan exco member

KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government has suggested that child care centres in the state be closed should the premises record a case of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

State local government, housing and health committee chairman Dr Izani Husin said this move was an initial step to prevent the disease from spreading.

However, he said the matter was subject to the assessment of the State Health Department on whether the premises should close or otherwise.

"HFMD cases in this state are still high with the cumulative number reaching about 5,200 people. To date, a total of 20 child care centres have been ordered to close, of which 15 have resumed their operations.

"We hope the people will continue to practise good hygiene and seek immediate treatment at hospitals or observe self-quarantine if their children are showing HFMD symptoms,” he said.

Dr Izani said this to reporters after launching the ground-breaking ceremony of the new Kota Bharu Medical Centre (KBMC) hospital building here.

Also present were the department’s director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin, KBMC chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin and general manager Mohd Nazri Yaacob.

The construction of the 12-storey hospital building with a 200-bed capacity will involve a cost of RM250mil.

On the recent monkeypox outbreak in several countries, Dr Izani said the state government advised the public to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

"This disease may spread through contact with an infected person or animal. The prevention method is similar to the standard operating procedures for Covid-19. This means that if we are sick, we have to quarantine ourselves so that we do not infect others,” he said. - Bernama