PENAMPANG: The state Health Department has recorded 1,866 cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) so far this year.
State health director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi said today that 15 schools were forced to close temporarily.
However, she declined to reveal the areas or districts involved.
She urged parents to take their children to the doctor as soon as early signs of HMFD were detected.
“We have found that HFMD spreads very quickly, especially among siblings. “It’s hard to separate them, what more look after them separately, as they live under the same roof.
“Parents must be aware of their children’s health condition and not allow them to go to school when they are not well.
She said child daycare operators must ensure that their premises were clean and teach the children about cleanliness.
“We understand that school closures will affect many quarters but it has to done if there are HFMD cases.”
Rundi said Sabah recorded 1,791 dengue fever cases as at July 21; 666 more than the same period last year.
“Fifteen of the cases involved deaths. Last year, there were four cases of dengue fever involving deaths,” she said.