KOTA BARU: Kelantan has recorded 11,813 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) as of the 25th epidemiological week (ME) this year.
State health department director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said the number showed a 14-fold increase against the same period last year, though a downward trend was recorded since the 17th week.
“The average weekly case count in the 17th ME was 960 cases and since the 23rd ME, weekly cases have decreased significantly to less than 400 cases per week.
“Children aged six years and below are the most affected group with 9,912 cases or 83.9% of the total cases reported,” he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
Dr Zaini said the age group of seven to 12 years recorded 1,679 cases (14.2%), while only 222 cases (1.9%) involved those aged over 12.
He also said 138 HFMD outbreaks had been reported throughout the state, with Pasir Mas and Kota Baru each recording 29 outbreaks (21%), while Kuala Krai recorded 27 outbreaks (19.5%).
Nurseries, kindergartens and preschools were among the main spots of HFMD transmission with 102 out of 138 outbreaks (73.9%) occurring at the premises, while 36 outbreaks (26.1%) occurred at home.
“Enterovirus monitoring found that the main virus causing HFMD transmission in Kelantan is coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) which is spread through contact with saliva, blister fluid and stool of patients.
“Most cases are mild and patients recover completely within seven to 10 days without requiring specific treatment. So far, no serious cases or deaths due to HFMD have been recorded in Kelantan,” he added.
Dr Zaini advised daycare and preschool operators to implement entrance screening, disinfect surfaces and equipment, avoid sharing personal items and immediately report cases to the nearest district health office.
He also reminded the public to practise personal and environmental hygiene, wash hands regularly and not send symptomatic children to daycare centres or schools.
