Kedah and Perlis recorded an increase in new cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) for the 21st Epidemiology Week (ME) from May 22nd to 28th.
Photo via New Straits Times
In Kedah, chairman of the Health and Local Government Committee, Datuk Dr. Mohd Hayati Othman said 1,178 cases were reported in ME-12 this week, up from 790 the week before, bringing the total number f HFMD cases in the state to 3,403.
According to BERNAMA, he said that five new clusters including one kindergarten, one nursery, and three pre-schools had been identified, with four of them being ordered to close under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, while the danger of infection was low in others.
"All of the cases reported had mild symptoms and were treated as outpatients; no cases had severe complications or required extensive treatment," he said in a statement on Monday (May 30th).
Photo via Twitter
Meanwhile, in Perlis, state Health director, Dr. Sirajuddin Hashim said 936 HFMD cases have been recorded since January 1st, a ten times increase over the 109 cases detected in the same time in 2021.
He further explained that the department previously set the HFMD alert level at 12 cases a day and warning level at 18 cases a day, he said cases started rising above the alert level on ME-13, March 27th to April 2nd, with 15 cases reported and increased to warning level with 28 cases on ME-14, April 3rd to April 9th.
To date, 10 clusters have been reported in Perlis just this year, with two outbreaks still active in a nursery and kindergarten.
Alamak, the number of HFMD cases is rising every day. Please stay safe, remember to wash your hands regularly, and take care of yourself and your loved ones!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
