KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 4,383 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were recorded in Selangor this year.
Selangor Health director Datuk Dr Sha'ari Ngadiman in a statement said the cases reported to date had exceeded the number of cases reported over the same period last year.
He said HFMD cases among children aged below 7 have been on the rise since early this year.
"A total of 103 HFMD clusters have been reported to date, involving 497 cases.
"Ninety-five per cent of them involve clusters in nurseries, kindergartens and daycare centres," he said, adding that no deaths linked to HFMD were reported.
Dr Sha'ari said HFMD is caused by an enterovirus with the majority of cases caused by Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) and Enterovirus 71 (EV71).
"The virus spreads through contact with surfaces or equipment contaminated with saliva, blisters or faeces of HFMD patients.
"The infection is usually mild with symptoms of fever followed by a blistering rash on the hands, feet and mouth.
"Almost all patients with HFMD recover without treatment within seven to 10 days. However, EV71 infection can cause severe complications such as encephalitis, pulmonary oedema and myocarditis.
"Of the cases reported this year to date, the majority were CA16 (33 per cent) and EV 71 (20 per cent), while the others (non-CA16 and non-EV71) were at 47 per cent."
He said following the increasing trend of HFMD cases in the state; nurseries, kindergartens, daycare centre operators and caregivers have been urged to ensure the cleanliness of their premises, especially the floor and bathroom, as well as equipment and appliances used by the children.
"Do a gatekeeping screening at the entrance to make sure the children have no signs of HFMD infection and those with symptoms should not be allowed into premises to avoid infection to the others.
"Always practise personal hygiene including washing hands after handling one child before handling the others.
"Dispose of used diapers into a covered trash bin. (And) report the HFMD cluster to the nearest district health office for control and preventive action," he said.
As for parents and guardians, Dr Sha'ari said they must not bring their children with signs of HFMD infection to public places, schools, nurseries, kindergartens or daycare centres.
"Always wash hands with soap and clean water after going to the toilet, changing diapers and treating blisters.
"Clean children's toys and house floors including toilets and dispose the used diapers properly."
Dr Sha'ari said his department will continue to monitor the HFMD situation and will work with relevant departments and agencies in ensuring prevention and control measures can be implemented immediately to curb the spread of HFMD infection.
"The public are urged to comply with the advice and instructions issued to ensure that HFMD cases in the state can be controlled."