Health Department issues good hygiene and health reminder

0

KUCHING: The Health Department has called on the public to practise good hygiene and health to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), rabies, and high fever.

Sarawak Health director Dr Jamilah Hashim said in a statement that parents should ensure their children practise good hygiene such as washing their hands with soap and water before eating and after going to the toilet, covering their mouths with tissues when coughing or sneezing, and promptly throwing soiled tissues into rubbish
bins.

She called on parents to be alert and prepared to bring children to the nearest clinic or hospital should they exhibit symptoms such as fever, ulcers, and rashes on the hands, soles, or buttocks.

To prevent the spread of HFMD, infected children must not be brought to public spaces until they are well.

Childcare centres operating during the school holidays are advised to be proactive in detecting children with HFMD symptoms.

Children who are infected must not attend childcare centres for at least 10 days.

To prevent high fever from dengue infection, all households are reminded to ensure there are no places for mosquitos to breed in homes and surrounding premises.

If there are symptoms such as fever, body aches, muscle pain, vomiting, or headaches, seek treatment immediately to prevent complications or even fatalities.

The statement also reminded the public that Sarawak is still not free from rabies.

Stay away from animals with an unknown vaccination status in order to prevent bites.

If bitten, immediately wash the wound under running water with soap for 15 minutes before going to the nearest clinic or hospital.

For more information, contact the department’s Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre on the hotline 082-443248 or 082-441780, or email [email protected].