PUTRAJAYA: Only one of the six SK Taman Tun Dr Ismail (1) pupils struck by hand, foot and mouth disease remains in hospital.

The others have been discharged, with two receiving outpatient treatment, Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said.

Liow said ministry officers worked with the Education Ministry to close the school yesterday for a disinfection exercise. The school will reopen on Monday.

"The Health Department was informed about the diagnosis on Tuesday after the school lodged a report. The school then checked all the pupils and ensured that those displaying symptoms of the disease received treatment," Liow said yesterday.

Liow advised teachers, parents and pupils to practise basic hygiene, such as washing hands, as the virus is spread by human contact.
Children below the age of 5 are particularly susceptible, and Liow said teachers and parents should pay close attention to any child with rashes or blisters on the palms, soles of the feet and diaper area, ulcers in the mouth and throat, experiences loss of appetite and nausea, has fever, sore throat and headache.

Other preventive measures include not sharing towels or handkerchiefs, covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, throwing away used tissues into a waste basket, and avoiding crowded areas.

Liow said that as of yesterday, 4,017 hand, foot and mouth disease cases had been reported in the country.

Meanwhile, Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said all the school's teachers had returned yesterday to help with a large-scale gotong-royong, which included cleaning the school's sports equipment.

"Everything will be back to normal on Monday and all pupils can return to school," he said.