KUCHING: As of yesterday, 2,586 cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have been reported in Sarawak.
This is a reduction of 66 per cent compared to the same period of April 2013, where 4,291 cases were reported.
The divisions with most reported cases were Miri (767), Sibu (618), Kuching (417) and Samarahan (207).
State Health director, Datu Zulkifli Jantan, in an email reply said that Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Saratok, Sibu and Miri have been showing an increase in trend.
In terms of clusters found, family clusters constituted the most, numbering 243, constituting 82.7 per cent of the total 293 HFMD clusters.
There were 37 clusters (12.6 per cent) involving preschools/kindergartens; nine clusters reported from a childcare centre and five clusters involving a primary school.
Dr Zulkifli said a total of 195 cases have been admitted this year but so far, no childcare centres, kindergartens or primary schools have been closed due to HFMD.
The department advised members of the general public especially those having young children, to take precautions to reduce their risk of getting infected.
These precautions include washing hands with soap and clean water after using the toilet, before preparing food and after changing diapers and washing faeces.
Other precautions include covering mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing; not sharing personal items like toothbrushes, handkerchiefs, towels, blankets, cups, forks, and spoons; maintain cleanliness of houses, child care centres, kindergartens or schools’ surroundings and washing all toys and surfaces of tables, chairs, floors, and so on that have been contaminated.
Parents are also advised to wash their hands thoroughly or bath after coming back from work before touching and playing with their children.
“Bring children to the nearest clinic or hospital if they have signs and symptoms of infection, said Dr Zulfifli.
He also reminded parents to avoid bringing children to crowded places such as swimming pools, markets, shopping centres, bus stations, etc.
The department also advised against bursting of blisters found on the children and to use separate sets of eating utensils for infected children.