HFMD: 12 child centres closed, 1,378 cases in Malacca

 

A total of 12 childcare premises were closed after Malacca recorded 1,378 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) as of last Saturday (May 14).

State Health and Anti-Drugs Committee chairperson Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the increase in HFMD cases was reported after the Aidilfitri holidays.

He said this was due to people travelling and the reopening of childcare and kindergarten centres.

"There was an increase of 1,322 cases or 24.6 times compared to the corresponding period last year which was 56 cases… 95.5 percent of the cases involved children below six years,” he said in a statement today.

He said eight HFMD cases required admission during the 19th epidemiological week (ME19) which was from May 8 to 14, an increase of six cases compared to the previous week.

"Overall, the total number of admissions to pediatric or medical wards was 67 cases and the majority of cases (91.4 percent) were treated as outpatients. No deaths have been reported so far," he said.

He said the Melaka Tengah district recorded 124 cases, an increase of 69 cases (125.4 percent) from the previous week, while Alor Gajah and Jasin reported 162 cases and 115 cases respectively.

Three HFMD clusters were reported as of May 14, making a total of 16 clusters. The Jasin district recorded the highest number of clusters with 11 (68.8 percent) followed by four in Melaka Tengah (25 percent), and Alor Gajah one (6.2 percent).

"Kindergartens, nurseries, and childcare centres reported the highest number of infections with 12 active clusters (75 percent)," he said.

To curb the spread of HFMD, inspections were being conducted by the State Health Department and District Health Office at premises which are at risk.

He said to date, 30 premises have been inspected and four town hall sessions will be held to brief teachers and relevant parties.

- Bernama