JOHOR BARU: The incidence of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Johor has seen a significant increase of 44.7% in epidemiological week 27 (ME27) this year, according to Ling Tian Soon, the state health and unity committee chairman. Johor Baru district reports the highest number of cases in the state, with 1,237 recorded, followed by Tangkak (365) and Kota Tinggi (339).
In addition, Ling stated that Kluang has 329 cases, Batu Pahat (317), Kulai (202), Segamat (200), Muar (178), Pontian (159), and Mersing (21) were also affected by the disease. Cumulatively, there have been 3,347 HFMD cases in Johor from January 1, 2023, until July 8 of the same year.
Ling further explained that the majority of HFMD cases in Johor involved children below six years old (2,856 cases), followed by children aged between seven and 12 years (421 cases), and children above 13 years old (70 cases). The HFMD epidemic has affected 74 locations in Johor, including 43 kindergartens, 11 nurseries, seven day care centers, five pre-schools, and four private homes. Additionally, nursery schools had two cases, while primary schools and others had one case each.
Addressing the issue, Ling called upon the operators of affected institutions to proactively implement measures to prevent further spread of the disease. He also advised the public to prioritize personal hygiene by practicing frequent hand washing with soap and water, as well as using hand sanitizers. Good coughing etiquette, such as covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or face mask, should also be practiced.
Ling emphasized that parents or guardians should refrain from taking children displaying HFMD symptoms to public places like swimming pools, shopping complexes, bus stations, and markets. Instead, affected children should receive treatment at clinics and should not be sent to childcare centers.
To assist the public in identifying risk areas, the Health Ministry has activated the latest Infectious Disease Tracker feature in the MySejahtera application, which covers diseases such as Covid-19, rabies, measles, dengue, and HFMD. Ling urged individuals to visit the Health Ministry website at www.moh.gov.my for more information on the Infectious Disease Tracker.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
