GEORGE TOWN – Penang has recorded a sharp rise in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases this year, with a 409% increase compared to the same period in 2024, state Healthcare, Youth and Sports Executive Councillor Daniel Gooi said today.
Speaking at a press conference, Gooi revealed that 3,446 cases were recorded between January 1 and March 22, a significant jump from the 677 cases reported in the corresponding period last year. This marks an increase of 2,706 cases.
Seberang Perai Tengah reported the highest number of cases at 1,082, followed by Seberang Perai Selatan (700 cases), Northeast District (628 cases), Southwest District (620 cases), and Seberang Perai Utara (416 cases).
A total of 112 HFMD clusters were detected in the first quarter of the year, with kindergartens, nurseries, and preschools identified as high-risk locations.
Of these clusters, 81 (72.3%) were recorded at such facilities, followed by 30 (26.8%) in schools and one (0.9%) in a daycare centre.
Gooi stated that most patients exhibited mild symptoms, including fever and blisters on the hands, feet, mouth, and tongue.
He noted that nearly all recovered within seven to ten days without requiring specialised treatment.
Additionally, one case of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection was reported in Penang this year. The virus can lead to severe complications such as encephalitis, pneumonitis, and myocarditis.
“However, there are no HFMD cases in Penang that are serious or require treatment at the intensive care unit (ICU), and there are no death cases reported,” he said.
Gooi urged the public to take preventive measures, including maintaining personal hygiene by regularly washing and sanitising hands, keeping their homes clean, and refraining from sending symptomatic children to school or daycare centres.
Parents are also advised to seek medical attention at the nearest clinic or hospital if their children show signs of infection.
He further recommended that parents avoid bringing symptomatic children to crowded public places such as swimming pools, markets, and shopping malls.
Meanwhile, operators of daycare centres, kindergartens, nurseries, and preschools have been instructed to disinfect their premises, conduct screening at entry points, and report HFMD cases to district health offices. – March 28, 2025