IPOH: Some 8,032 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) have been recorded in Perak so far this year, says state health committee chairman Mohd Akmal Kamaruddin (pic).

       He said there were 222 cases between May 29 and June 4 alone.

       "Some 787 cases recorded from January to June 4 involved children aged between seven and 12, and 144 cases involved those aged above 12.

       "Most of the cases were reported in Kinta district," he told reporters at the Kinta Riverfront Hotel here on Thursday (June 9).

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       "The cases among schoolchildren are still low, around one to two percent of the total," he added.

       Mohd Akmal said the state Health Department had checked more than 6,000 premises.

       "At least 188 kindergartens and preschools in Perak have been closed due to HFMD.

       "They include 67 premises in Manjung district, 53 in Kinta and the rest in Larut, Matang and Selama, Batang Padang and Kampar.

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       "Some kindergarten operators closed voluntarily to minimise spread of infection while some were ordered to do so by the Health Department," he added.

       Mohd Akmal said many premises operators and owners had done their part and he hoped parents would also be mindful about sending their children to kindergartens or preschools if they had HFMD symptoms.

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       "Such irresponsible acts will cause problems for other parents and children," he said, while calling on parents to remain calm over the matter.

       "The cases in schools aren't worrying since the majority are among children aged six and below.

       "The most important thing is for parents to observe hygiene and maintain cleanliness at home and their surroundings," he added.