KUANTAN: The Pahang Health Department recorded a total of 1,145 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) this year up to Saturday (May 7), six times more than the 190 detected in the corresponding period last year.

       State Health director Datuk Dr Nor Azimi Yunus said of the total, 138 cases or 12.1% were detected in nurseries, kindergartens and pre-schools while 1,007 cases or 87.9% were sporadic infections.

       She said HFMD mostly infected children aged six and below, with 1,093 cases out of the total, followed by 43 cases involving those aged between seven and 12, with the rest involving children above 12.

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       "This disease can infect all ages, especially young children. The virus can be spread through direct contact with saliva, blisters and faeces of the infected.

       "The infection is usually mild with symptoms of fever followed by a blister-like rash on the hands, feet, mouth and tongue. Almost all patients with HFMD recover without treatment within seven to 10 days," she said in a statement on Tuesday (May 10).

       Therefore, Dr Nor Azimi said, operators and caretakers of nurseries, kindergartens, and pre-schools should always ensure that basic hygiene and cleanliness are maintained at all times, and they should also conduct screening at the entrance of their premises to ensure that no child is infected with HFMD.

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       Apart from that, members of the public are advised to wash their hands with soap and clean water after using the toilet, before preparing food and after changing diapers.

       She also advised parents and guardians to ensure that HFMD-infected children were not taken to public places such as swimming pools, markets and shopping malls. – Bernama