REMBAU: There has been a significant increase in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) infections nationwide, with a total of 28,957 cases reported from January until May 13, 2022 compared to only 4,239 cases in 2021, says Khairy Jamaluddin.

       However, the Health Minister said the increase was expected with the reopening of all economic sectors, including the education sector and resumption of face-to-face learning in schools as well as kindergartens and child care centres.

       "There is a sharp increase, but it was expected because last year, with the implementation of the movement control order (MCO), we could not go out but now we can.

       "It is also a reminder to the public to take care of their personal hygiene because for two years we did not think of any disease other than Covid-19," he told reporters after attending an Aidilfitri open house here on Friday (May 13).

       He advised parents to make use of the MySejahtera app as it contained a feature which provides information on infectious disease cases, which can be helpful to avoid being infected.

       "MySejahtera is not to detect, but to report. Cases confirmed by the district health office will be reported there, so users can check how many cases are in the community," he said.

       On Covid-19, Khairy said the number of cases increased slightly in the two weeks after Hari Raya and advised the public to continue wearing face masks in crowded places.

       He also advised the public, especially senior citizens aged 60 and above and have chronic diseases, to get a second Covid-19 booster shot after six months of getting the first booster to increase their immunity. – Bernama