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).
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%).
