The hand-foot-mouth-disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness caused by a virus.
It easily spreads from person to person when someone comes in contact with the body fluids of an infected person. This can happen by touching something that has been sneezed, coughed, or drooled on.
Photo via International Medical Clinic
Recently, it was reported that a total of 6,987 hands, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases have been reported from early this year until Saturday (June 18th) compared with 104 cases during the same period last year.
According to Malay Mail, the Johor State Health and Unity Committee chairman, Ling Tian Soon said that most of the cases occurred among children aged six and below, with 6,048 cases.
This was then followed by children aged seven to 12 with 816 cases, while the rests were those aged 13 and above.
To date, five active HFMD outbreaks were reported in Johor, involving two from the Kota Tinggi district, two from Johor Bahru, and one from Batu Pahat.
“As of yesterday, there are 100 HFMD outbreaks in Johor involving nurseries, private homes, tabika, tadika, pre-school, primary schools, daycare centers, and others…
“Nevertheless, this situation is still under control. This is proven by the significant drop in the HFMD cases trend reported in the state, starting at ME 22 until ME 25, from 1,491 cases in ME 22 to 1,090 cases in ME 23 and the latest, 663 cases in ME 24,” he said.
Yay, we’re so glad that the number of cases are starting to go down… However, let’s still take precautions and remember to wash your hands with soap and water when you’re outside!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
