HFMD cases up 256pc in Sabah

Thursday, August 27, 2015. 

ALARMING: State Health dept working with childcare centres to contain disease

By Olivia Miwil
olivia@nst.com.my

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded a 256 per cent of increase in the number of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases as of May 9 compared with the same period last year.

Based on state Health Department’s epidemiology bulletin, the highest incidences were here with 228 cases, followed by 120 in Penampang and 90 in Tuaran.

HFMD is common among young children and the infection usually spreads in kindergartens and child care centres.

Those infected spread the viruses to others via close contact, the air (sneezing and coughing), as well as through faeces and contaminated objects and surfaces.

Persatuan Tadika Sabah vice president Zubaidah Sidek said the association was working closely with Health Department to prevent the spread of the disease in child care centres.

“We will notify the authority immediately if any of the children are diagnosed with HFMD. When there are two or more cases, management will cooperate with the state Health Department to close the schools for several days,” she said, adding the association had more than 2,000 members.

Zubaidah said from her years of experience as an operator, HFMD breakouts usually occured after the children come back from long holiday. She believed those children were infected when they were away.

As the disease has incubation period between three and five days, it is difficult to ascertain when exactly they are infected.

“Centres are taking precautions by screening every child before he or she enters the premises to minimise the spread. Parents of children with rashes are advised to get a doctor’s clearance before sending their children to school,” she explained.

Operators and staff at childcare centers are being taught by health officials on how to maintain cleanliness with hand sanitisers and cleaning agents to prevent the spread of virus.

Next month, health department will conduct two talks on HFMD to educate employees at childcare centres.


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