HFMD outbreak in Sabah under control: Rosnah
Published on: Friday, March 02, 2012
Tuaran: The public have been advised not to panic over the outbreak of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Sabah which saw the temporary closure of at least six nurseries in Penampang last week. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said although the number of HFMD cases had increased to 149, the outbreak was under control. "Don't panic. What is important is to follow the advice and steps recommended by the Health Department," she told reporters after opening the Taman Sri Rugading 1Malaysia Clinic, near here, Thursday.
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Rosnah said Penampang registered the highest number of HFMD incidents with 70 cases or 54.5 per cent of the total number of cases, followed by Kota Kinabalu (46), Tuaran (10), Papar (six), Keningau (four), Pitas (four), Tenom (four), Kudat (two), Kuala Penyu (two) and Kota Marudu, one. "Three outbreaks were reported in Penampang, involving 70 cases in 36 localities. These outbreaks, however, had successfully been contained last week," she said. The nurseries in Penampang would be closed for about a week, she added. "Officers from the district health office will visit these nurseries to evaluate the current situation there."
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Rosnah said the closure was necessary to prevent the disease from spreading further, making it difficult to contain. Among the HFMD symptoms are skin rash and lesions on the hands, feet and mouth area and, at the same time, victims may also experienced fever, she said.
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