KUALA TERENGGANU: A total of 524 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were recorded in Terengganu between January and July 18, or 192.7 per cent increase, compared to 179 cases reported during the same period last year.
State Health Department deputy director, Dr Mohd Jusoh, said Kuala Terengganu district recorded the highest number of cases (129), followed by Marang (90 cases); Dungun (82); Setiu (75); Besut (40); Hulu Terengganu (36); Kuala Nerus (52) and Kemaman (20).
“There were eight HFMD outbreaks reported in the state in two locations in each of the Kuala Terengganu, Setiu and Marang districts; and a location identified in Hulu Terengganu and Besut, respectively.
“A total of 57 victims or 10.88 per cent of them aged below one, 454 (86.64 per cent) aged between two and six; and 11 or 2.1 per cent aged between seven and 12.
“One case or 0.19 per cent reported was a victim aged between 13 and 18, while another case or 0.19 per cent was a victim aged 18 and above,” he told NSTP when contacted today.
Dr Mohd said despite the rising number of cases reported, there was no serious infection or death reported and that the situation was under control.
He said until Wednesday, two premises, namely, Taska (child care centre) Permata Keluarga in Besut and Taska Permata Keluarga Medan Jaya, Marang, had been instructed to temporarily close.
“To prevent the spread of the disease, the state Health Department had carried out prevention activities, especially conducting checks on premises. We have (so far) inspected a total of 445 houses, 29 taska, 13 kindergartens and eight primary schools had been checked,” he said.
He advised the public to ensure the cleanliness of their premises especially items frequently used by children and screen visitors at the relevant buildings, such as kindergartens, as preventive measures against the spread of HFMD virus.
“Apart from that, the public must maintain good personal hygiene and clean toilets, as well as disposing children’s diapers in covered bins,” he said.
Dr Mohd said HFMD infected children easily through close contact with the virus though saliva, blister fluid and body waste.
“Normally, the infection does not have severe effects; with (patients showing) symptoms of fever, followed by blisters on the hands, foot, mouth and tongue. Most of HFMD patients are able to recover without undergoing specific treatment in seven to 10 days,” he added.