JOHOR BARU: The number of hand, foot and mouth disease (HMFD) cases in Johor has continued to spike, exceeding warning levels since the start of the year.
Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said a total of 1,441 cases of HFMD were recorded in the 17th week of the year (from April 21 to 27).
“This is a 20.5% increase compared to the week before, where 1,196 HFMD cases were recorded,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (April 20).
In week 17, Johor Baru recorded the majority of the cases at 386, followed by Batu Pahat (254 cases), Kluang (192), Kota Tinggi (140), Tangkak (134), Muar (128), Pontian (94), Segamat (47), Mersing (37) and Kulai (29).
He said that 14 new clusters were identified last week, bringing the cumulative number of clusters in Johor to 74 so far this year.
The clusters involve 24 nurseries, 19 pre-schools, 17 childcare centres, 12 kindergartens, a primary school and a private residence.
Most of the patients infected by the disease are young children up to six years old, followed by those in the 7 to 12 years old age group and those aged 13 and above, he added.
Aside from carrying out the standard operating procedures of disinfecting the premises affected and conducting healthcare awareness, the state Health Department has also issued two alert letters to all hospitals and health officers statewide.
Ling said this was to boost efforts to combat HFMD and raise awareness, especially among childcare operators as well as facilities with children.
“All child management facilities are urged to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of HFMD infections, including regularly sanitising and cleaning toys and surfaces.
“Educators and handlers should pay attention to personal hygiene matters and ensure they, as well as the children, wash their hands after using the toilet and before and after meals,” he said.
He added that those who feel unwell or display symptoms should immediately seek medical attention so the matter can be reported to the district health office.
Symptoms include fever, painful mouth sores and rashes or blisters on the hands and feet.
HFMD is a contagious viral infection that commonly affects children aged five and below, though older children can also be infected.
It spreads through contact with saliva, nasal discharge, faeces and fluid from blisters of infected individuals.
