JOHOR BARU: Parents have been reminded to isolate children who have caught the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) amid its current spike.

       KPJ Puteri Specialist Hospital paediatric and neonatology specialist Dr Ismail Haron said since the disease could be transmitted through the sharing of utensils, toys, towels and blankets, the isolation is necessary to prevent further infections.

       “Parents have a role to play in ensuring that these HFMD children are kept away from other contacts and not sending them to care centres or visiting public places,” he said.

       “HFMD is a mild disease with a patient having a fever followed by rashes on the hands, feet, mouth or tongue, though it could get serious if not monitored properly.

       “If the child is unable to eat and drink, has a high fever or other signs of complications, the child needs to be admitted to hospital.

       “However, if the child has a mild fever, is able to eat and drink to maintain body hydration, hospitalisation is not necessary, but parents are advised to take the child to see a doctor,” he said yesterday.

       Dr Ismail said children with HFMD could also experience symptoms of respiratory tract infections, vomiting, diarrhoea or poor appetite.

       “The main factor to curb the spread of HFMD is to improve personal hygiene, wash hands often, and wear a face mask,” he said.

       He added that the majority of mildly symptomatic HFMD cases would heal within seven to 10 days.

       State health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said 2,240 cases of HFMD were reported in Johor until the end of the 20th epidemiological week (May 15 to 21).

       He said this was 22 times the number of cases during the corresponding period last year when only 101 cases were reported.

       “Currently, we have detected 14 outbreaks of the disease that are still active in several districts in Johor.

       “A majority of the outbreaks started at childcare centres and there are also outbreaks at kindergartens, preschools and houses,” he said in a statement on Monday.

       He added that the majority of HFMD cases in Johor involved children aged six and below.

       However, Ling assured the people that the situation is “under control”.