‘Be aware of possible rise in HFMD cases this festive season’

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SIBU: The Health Department is urging the public to be vigilant as mass movement of people during Chinese New Year may trigger a rise in the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases in the state.

The warning is based on the data from the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) of the state Health Department’s Communicable Disease Control Section. It shows that for the period to date (January-February) this year, the cumulative HFMD cases stood at 1,383 versus 469 recorded in the same period last year.

State Health director Datu Dr Zulkifli Jantan observed that cases appeared to be showing an upward trend.

“With the Chinese New Year approaching and with the influx of people returning home for the celebration, we urge parents and guardians to be more vigilant.

“We have seen a spike of HFMD cases during festive seasons before due to the mass movement of people. Hence, it is imperative that people practise proper personal hygiene, especially washing their hands as often as possible,” Dr Zulkifli told The Borneo Post yesterday.

For the Epidemiology (Epid) Week 5 (Feb 1-7) of this year, the CPRC recorded 491 cases in the state, with Kuching Division registering the highest number at 332.

This is followed Miri with 330 cases, Sibu (292), Bintulu (103), Samarahan (82), Sarikei (58), Betong (56), Mukah (54), Sri Aman (53), Kapit (13) and Limbang (10).

Dr Zulkifli further advised parents to avoid bringing their young children to crowded places such as shopping complexes and wedding receptions.

He also stressed on the importance of regular handwashing with soap/hand sanitiser after visiting toilets, coughing or sneezing as well as before taking meals and preparing food.

“There shall be strictly no sharing of personal items such as handkerchiefs, towels and spoons.

“We advise parents to seek immediate treatment at the nearest clinic or hospital if their children exhibited HFMD symptoms such as fever, rashes on the palms of the hands and legs, as well as the buttocks, knees or elbows. They should also be alert if their children had ulcers.

“The usual period from infection to onset of symptoms (incubation period) is three to seven days,” he said.

Dr Zulkifli cautions parents against bringing their children to crowded places such as market, in light of the re-emergence of HFMD during this festive season.