NewsDesk @bactiman63

In a follow-up on the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak in Malaysia, the Ministry of Health reported today a total of 31,661 cases of HFMD were reported through May 14.

This is an increase of 15 times compared to 2021 during the same period (2121 cases).

Image/Robert Herriman

In 2022, until 14 May 2022, the State of Selangor contributed the largest number of cases compared to other states which was 8,864 cases (28%). It is followed by WP Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya 4,421 cases (14%), Sabah 2,650 cases (8%), Perak 2,638 cases (8%) and Kelantan 2,493 cases (7.9%) while other states around or less than 1,500 cases.

A total of 889 outbreaks were reported in Malaysia where the three (3) highest states recorded outbreaks were WP Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya which is 309 outbreaks (35%), followed by Selangor with 111 outbreaks (12%), and Perak 105 outbreaks (12%) . The majority of outbreak locations occurred in kindergartens/ nurseries/ pre-schools which was 575 outbreaks (65%) followed by private homes with 305 outbreaks (34%), and also childcare centers with 27 outbreaks (3%). Outbreaks appear to be exacerbated during the incubation period of HFMD.

HFMD cases are common among children aged 6 years and below which is 29,781 cases (94%), followed by the age group 7 to 12 years which is 1,473 cases (5%).