Press Releases
Update On Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease (HFMD)
28 March 2006
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28 Mar 2006
The number of HFMD cases has continued to increase with 785 cases notified in the week ending 25 March 2006. This is a significant increase as compared to 372 cases in the preceding week and the weekly average of 113 in January and 174 February this year. This brings the total number of cases to 2964 for the first 12 weeks of this year.
Of the cases notified in 2006, about 80% occurred in children aged less than 6 years. Amongst them, more than half were in the age group 3 - 6 years attending child care centre, kindergarten or other pre-school. Almost all of the cases notified did not require hospitalisation. Of the 2964 cases of HFMD reported in 2006 so far, only 54 (1.8%) were hospitalised. So far, the majority of the cases were mild infections. There has been no case of serious complications like myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or encephalitis (brain inflammation).
As of 26 Mar 06, there has been 6718 HFMD cases and 8 deaths reported in Sarawak. In Brunei, 307 HFMD cases were reported during 1 - 17 Mar 06 with 1 death.
Measures to break chain of transmission
Although HFMD is generally a mild and self-limiting disease, in view of the rising number of cases and the concern that the circulating strain causing the disease is Enterovirus 71 which has been known to cause complications occasionally, efforts are being stepped up to limit the spread of the disease. In this respect the HFMD Task Force will tighten trigger measures for closure so as to break the chain of transmission and prevent further spread of the disease in the child care centre/kindergarten/or other pre-school centre. We would like to seek the understanding of parents and operators who may be affected by such possible closures.
Good hygiene practices by the centre operators and the children are also essential in preventing further spread of the disease. Frequent and proper hand washing is the most important measure in prevention. The MOH has worked closely with MCYS and MOE in educating all childcare, kindergarten and preschool operators on hygiene measures.
Advice to parents and families with infected children
Parents are reminded that they should seek medical attention early if their children have any symptoms of HFMD - fever, mouth ulcers and rashes on the palms soles or buttocks. Children suffering from HFMD should be kept at home till they are certified well by the doctor. Family members are also reminded to follow good hygiene practices to limit spread of infection. The toys, books, eating utensils, towels, clothes, bed linens, and other articles used by the infected child should not be shared with other children.
In addition, items handled by the infected child should be washed separately. Surfaces that are easily contaminated or are frequently handled, such as toys, potty-chairs, toilets and diaper changing areas should also be clean and disinfected.
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