PUTRAJAYA, May 12 — A total of 99,601 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) have been reported nationwide as of Epidemiological Week 17 (April 20 to 26).
The Health Ministry (MOH) said this is an increase of 266 per cent from 27,236 cases in the same period last year.
According to the MOH, 10,421 cases (10 per cent) were related to outbreaks, while 89,180 cases (90 per cent) were sporadic cases.
“There have been 2,649 outbreaks (in ME17) compared with 1,339 outbreaks in the same period in 2024, which is an increase of 49 per cent.
“Of all these outbreaks, 578 occurred in daycare centres (22 per cent), 480 in kindergartens (18 per cent), 292 in preschools (11 per cent), and 251 in nursery schools (9 per cent),” the statement said.
According to the MOH, Selangor logged the highest number of cases at 27,118 cases (27.2 per cent) followed by Johor with 9,864 cases (9.9 per cent), Perak with 9,347 cases (9.4 per cent), Kelantan with 7,147 cases (7.2 per cent), and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya with 6,850 cases (6.9 per cent).
“No deaths related to HFMD have been reported,” the MOH said, adding that a total of 38,285 premises were inspected nationwide involving daycare centres, kindergartens, preschools, and residential homes, with 1,140 (3 per cent) premises ordered to close under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, while 430 premises (1 per cent) closed voluntarily.
“A total of 220 town hall sessions and briefings have been conducted nationwide by the State Health Departments and District Health Offices to provide health education to curb the spread of HFMD,” the statement said.
The MOH advised parents and guardians to adopt preventive measures such as washing their hands before eating and after using the toilet, as well as ensuring toys, bathrooms, and items frequently touched by children are cleaned regularly to curb the spread of HFMD.
The MOH also said personal items such as cups, towels, and toothbrushes should not be shared.
“Children with symptoms should seek treatment immediately and are prohibited from attending childcare centers or public places to prevent the spread of HFMD,” it said.
— Bernama
