HFMD cases in Penang have increased by 22-fold since 2021.
From January to the 23rd epidemiological week of this year, Penang registered 3,990 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a 22-fold rise over the same period last year.
Norlela Ariffin, head of the State Agrotechnology and Food Safety, Rural Development, and Health Committee, stated in a statement today that only 176 HFMD cases were reported last year, compared to 1,727 instances this year.
She stated that 119 HFMD clusters were detected during the same time period, which is a 16-fold increase from the seven clusters reported in 2021.
With 988 cases (24.8%), the Barat Daya district led the way, followed by Seberang Perai Tengah 867 cases (21.7%), Seberang Perai Utara 826 cases (20.7%), Timur Laut 786 cases (19.7%), and Seberang Perai Selatan 523 cases or 13.1%.
The majority of HFMD cases in Penang were among children aged six and under, accounting for 3,357 cases (88.65%), followed by those aged seven to twelve, with 377 cases (9.45%), and those aged over twelve, with 256 cases (1.9 per cent).
Norlela instructed all operators and caregivers in nurseries and kindergartens to keep the premises, particularly the equipment and appliances used by children, clean at all times.
Kindergarten operators and caretakers must also undertake checks at the entry to guarantee that only children without HFMD symptoms are admitted. To assist reduce the spread of HFMD, children with symptoms are advised not to attend school.
