GEORGE TOWN: Penang has reported a spike in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases, with infections rising by over 150% following the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
State health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen revealed that four new HFMD clusters were identified during the 15th epidemiological week (April 6 to April 12).
"Penang recorded 579 new HFMD cases during this period, an increase of 353 cases or 156.2% compared to the previous week.
“Four new clusters were also reported. This increase is believed to be due to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday," he said in a statement on Friday (April 18).
Despite the spike, Gooi assured the public that all reported cases in Penang have only shown mild symptoms and were treated on an outpatient basis, with no severe complications or patients requiring intensive care.
As of April 12, the state has logged a cumulative total of 4,585 HFMD cases- more than five times higher than the 879 cases recorded during the same period last year.
Central Seberang Perai district has reported the highest number of cases with 1,362 infections, followed by South Seberang Perai district (884), the Northeast district (852), Southwest district (845), and North Seberang Perai district (642), he added.
Following a meeting with the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (Pemudah), the Penang Educational Institution Entrepreneurs Association and the Penang Health Department, Gooi said entrepreneurs raised concerns about challenges in managing the current HFMD situation.
In response, the health department will assess the effectiveness of its existing operations and implement necessary improvements.
"I urge all parties to be vigilant and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection and address the rise in HFMD cases
"Maintain personal, household, and environmental hygiene, and wash hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitiser.
"Avoid sending children who show symptoms or signs of infection to daycare centres or schools, and seek medical attention at the nearest clinic or hospital, especially if children develop fever and rashes on their hands, feet, or mouth.
"Children showing symptoms should not be brought to crowded public places such as swimming pools, markets, or shopping malls," Gooi said.
