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Published: Saturday February 25, 2012 MYT 12:41:00 PM
Updated: Saturday February 25, 2012 MYT 9:20:39 PM

HFM close to an outbreak in S’wak, warns Liow

By NG CHENG YEE


PETALING JAYA: The number of hand, foot and mouth cases in Sarawak is showing an upward trend and heading towards an outbreak in the state, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

He urged the public to continue to observe personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness to prevent the spread of the disease.

He said the number of such cases for the first seven weeks of this year was 806 cases, compared to 213 cases during the same period last year.

He said only one case of coxsackie A virus was reported in the state this year.

He was speaking at the launch of the Taman Medan Health Clinic.

So far, he said, Kuching reported the most HFMD cases with 295 cases, followed by Bintulu (112), Betong (85), Samarahan (70) and Miri (65).

He said some kindergartens had been closed to contain the disease, which was infestious among children, and prevent it from being spread.

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