GEORGE TOWN: Operators of childcare centres, kindergartens and pre-schools (tabika) are advised by the Health Ministry to ensure their premises are clean following the rise in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases, says Dr Norlela Ariffin.

       The Penang health committee chairman encouraged screenings to be conducted at the entrance and ensure that only children with no symptoms are allowed in.

       "Precautionary measures should be taken, similar to Covid-19, such as wearing face masks and restricting communications.

       "Operators should report any HFMD clusters to the nearest district health office for further action for control and prevention," she said.

       She added that indoor playgrounds should have gatekeeping screenings at entrances and the premises must be regularly sanitised.

       “Parents and guardians of children with HFMD should not take their children to public places to prevent its spread.

       "They should also refer to the infectious diseases tracker in the MySejahtera mobile application to check the HFMD hotspots," she added.

       Penang recorded 3,990 HFMD cases in epidemiological week 23 (June 5 to June 11), which is a 22-fold increase compared with the same period last year.

       Norlela added the southwest district recorded the highest number of cases at 988, followed by the central Seberang Prai district at 867, north Seberang Prai district (826), northeast district (786) and south Seberang Prai district (523).

       "As of epidemiological week 22, there were a total 119 clusters reported compared with seven clusters during the same period last year, a 16-fold increase.

       "The majority of cases reported were among six-year-olds at 3,357. This was followed by those in the seven to 12 years age group at 377 cases.

       "Those over 12 recorded 256 cases," she said.