THE Penang state Health Department has reported a total of 1,954 cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) as of epidemiological Week 8.
The majority of cases, 1,484, or 75.94%, have been recorded among children aged six years and below, while 359 cases, or 18.37%, affect children between the ages of seven and twelve.
Childcare centers, kindergartens, and preschools remain the most vulnerable locations for HFMD outbreaks, which occur when two or more epidemiologically linked cases emerge within the same setting.
Out of the 37 outbreaks reported, 28, or 75.7%, were in childcare centers, kindergartens, and preschools.
Another eight outbreaks, or 21.6%, were in primary schools, while one outbreak, or 2.7%, was linked to a childcare centre.
Cases have increased by 12.8% over the past week, rising from 171 cases in epidemiological Week 7 to 193 cases in Week 8.
However, all reported cases were caused by Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) and Coxsackievirus A6 (CA6), which typically result in mild symptoms.
No severe infections related to Enterovirus 71 (EV71) have been detected in Penang, and there have been no HFMD-related intensive care unit (ICU) admissions or fatalities.
HFMD is primarily caused by enteroviruses, particularly CA6 and CA16, and spreads through direct contact with saliva, blister fluid, or feces from infected individuals.
Symptoms include fever, rashes with blisters on the hands and feet, and ulcers in the mouth and tongue.
While most infections resolve on their own, EV71 infections can lead to serious complications such as brain inflammation, pneumonia, and heart inflammation.
The state Health Department, through its district Health Offices, has intensified efforts to curb the spread of HFMD.
These measures include inspecting and temporarily closing affected premises under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) to allow for thorough disinfection, carrying out extensive sanitisation of indoor and outdoor areas in childcare centers, kindergartens, and preschools, as well as cleaning toys and teaching aids.
Additionally, authorities are conducting health education programs for caregivers, teachers, and parents while providing advisory support to childcare and kindergarten management teams to ensure proper monitoring and implementation of preventive measures.
Public cooperation is essential in preventing further spread.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to monitor their children’s health daily and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.
Infected children should not be sent to childcare centers, kindergartens, or schools, and parents are advised to avoid taking symptomatic children to public spaces such as playgrounds, swimming pools, and markets.
Regular handwashing with soap and water should be practiced, and frequent disinfection of toys, tables, chairs, and floors at least twice daily is recommended.
Used diapers must be disposed of properly in covered bins, and children should refrain from sharing personal items, including eating utensils.
Indoor playground operators are also urged to implement precautionary measures by screening children at entry points, cleaning and disinfecting play areas and equipment at least twice daily, displaying warning posters on HFMD risks at entrances, and providing handwashing stations or hand sanitisers for visitors.
Authorities stress that controlling HFMD requires collective effort from parents, educators, childcare operators, and the community at large.
By adhering to these preventive measures, the spread of HFMD can be minimized, ensuring the safety and well-being of young children in Penang.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting