JOHOR BARU: The number of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases have declined in Johor in epidemiology week 28 (ME28) compared with ME27 this year, says state and health unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon.
He said Johor Baru district located the highest number of cases with 1,347, Tangkak (405), Kluang (388), Kota Tinggi (381), Batu Pahat (350), Kulai (246), Segamat (230), Muar (211), Pontian (175) and Mersing (29).
"Johor recorded 3,762 cumulative HFMD cases from Jan 1 to July 15 this year,'' Ling said in a statement on Tuesday (July 18).
He said HFMD cases in the state involved children below six years old with 3,185 cases, children aged between seven and 12 (500) and children above 13 years (77).
Ling said there were 92 locations in Johor identified for the epidemic cases as of July 15 involving kindergartens (54), nurseries (15), day care centres (seven), pre-schools (six) and private homes (four).
"There are three cases at nursery schools, one at a primary school and others with one case," he said.
Ling urged operators of the institutions where the HFMD cases started to take proactive measures to prevent the disease from spreading.
He advised the public to take preventive measures by practicing high levels of personal hygiene such as frequent hand washing with soap and water or hand sanitisers.
Ling said reminded the public to practice good coughing etiquette by covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing either by using a tissue or a wearing a face mask.
"Parents or guardians whose children have HFMD symptoms should avoid taking them to public places such as swimming pools, shopping malls, bus stations and markets," he said.
Ling also reminded them to take children under their care to clinics for treatment if they are showing HFMD symptoms, adding that they should also not be sent to childcare centres.
He said that the Health Ministry has activated the latest Infectious Disease Tracker feature in MySejahtera apps for Covid-19, rabies, measles, dengue and HFMD.
Ling said this would help the public to carry out their daily activities and plans more carefully after identifying the risk areas using the tracking system.
For more information on the Infectious Disease Tracker, go to the Health Ministry website at www.moh.gov.my.
