The Ministry of Health in Malaysia is debunking allegations on social media that there are 51 schools closed in a district in Selangor due to hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). They say based on the monitoring carried out by MOH for 2018, until now there is no school closure or class in schools throughout the state of Selangor due to hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) infection. It was found that only two (2) HFMD clusters were reported in two (2) different schools and both schools or classes in the school were NOT CLOSED.

Image/Whatsapp screenshot via MOH
Image/Whatsapp screenshot via MOH

As of July 19, health officials have seen 33,425 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) nationally, up from 27,296 cases reported at the end of June. Most states showed an increase in cases in 2018 compared to 2017 for the same period, except Sabah and Sarawak.

Health officials say the number of HFMD cases is expected to continue to increase as parents’ awareness and concern bring children with HFMD symptoms to medical practitioners for advice and treatment. This has resulted in an increase in the case because HFMD is a disease that needs to be identified to health under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988. For 2018, to date no deaths due to HFMD or enterovirus 71 (EV71) are reported in Malaysia.

People, especially parents, nursery and kindergartens and teachers are advised to always practice the practice of personal hygiene and the environment, including proper hand washing to children and pupils. In addition to screening at nursery entrance, kindergarten, pre-school and school (gate keeping), parents should also play a role by checking the child every morning before being sent to the centers. If the child shows any signs or symptoms of the disease, it is advisable to take the child for treatment at a nearby health facility. If the child is symptomatic, do not allow them to attend a place of study or visit a public place to avoid transmission of infections to other children.