JOHOR BARU: The number of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Johor decreased in epidemiology week 28 (ME28) compared to ME27 this year, according to Ling Tian Soon, the chairman of the state and health unity committee.
Ling explained that Johor Baru district had the highest number of cases with 1,347, followed by Tangkak (405), Kluang (388), Kota Tinggi (381), Batu Pahat (350), Kulai (246), Segamat (230), Muar (211), Pontian (175), and Mersing (29).
“Johor recorded a total of 3,762 HFMD cases from Jan 1 to July 15 this year,” stated Ling on Tuesday (July 18).
He highlighted that the HFMD cases in the state primarily affected children under six years old (3,185 cases), followed by children aged between seven and 12 (500) and children above 13 years old (77).
Ling also revealed that as of July 15, there were 92 locations in Johor identified with epidemic cases, which included kindergartens (54), nurseries (15), day care centres (seven), pre-schools (six), and private homes (four).
“Nursery schools accounted for three cases, primary schools for one case, and the rest had only one case,” he added.
The chairman urged operators of institutions where HFMD cases originated to take proactive measures to curb disease spread.
He advised the public to practice preventive measures by maintaining high levels of personal hygiene, such as frequent hand washing with soap and water or hand sanitizers.
Ling emphasized the importance of good coughing etiquette, which involved covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing using a tissue or face mask.
He also advised parents or guardians with children exhibiting HFMD symptoms to avoid public places like swimming pools, shopping malls, bus stations, and markets.
Ling further reminded them to bring affected children to clinics for treatment, specifically avoiding childcare centers.
He mentioned that the Health Ministry had activated the Infectious Disease Tracker feature in the MySejahtera app for diseases like Covid-19, rabies, measles, dengue, and HFMD.
This would facilitate better decision-making and risk assessment for daily activities using the tracking system.
For more information on the Infectious Disease Tracker, visit the Health Ministry website at www.moh.gov.my.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
![[English - 100% Original] - Prosperity in The Age of Decline - How to Lead You by Brian Beaulieu (US edition, hardcover)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
