PUTRAJAYA: A total of 2,380 students from 950 schools under the Education Ministry have been affected by the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) as of yesterday.
In a statement earlier, the ministry said 149 classes, 65 pre-school classes and five school were ordered to close under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
“Whichever school or classes involved in the spread of disease and have been ordered to close, must adhere to the order,” the statement said.
The ministry said principals and headmasters must take the initiative to advise students to practice good hygiene.
Schools, the ministry said, must contact district health offices, hospitals or nearby clinics if there were signs of the disease among students.
“Parents and guardians must also be notified immediately,” the ministry said, adding that parents and guardians must monitor children’s activities outside school.
“They must take their children straight to hospital or clinic if they show any early signs of HFMD.
“Parents are also advised to follow and adhere to the guidelines and advice given by the Health Ministry on the disease,” the statement said.