266% spike in HFMD cases reported nationwide – MOH
Malaysia has seen a staggering 266% increase in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases so far this year with 99,601 cases compared with the 27,236 recorded during the same period last year.
In a statement, the health ministry said 10% of these cases (10,421) were related to outbreaks of HFMD, while the remaining 90% (89,180) were sporadic.
Selangor recorded the highest number of infections making up 27.2% of cases, followed by Johor (9.9%), Perak (9.4%), Kelantan (7.2%), and Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (6.9%).
Cumulatively, 2,649 HFMD outbreaks were reported this year, compared with 1,339 during the same period in 2024 – a 98% increase.
“Of these, 578 outbreaks (22%) occurred at childcare centres, 480 (18%) at kindergartens, 292 (11%) at nurseries and 251 (9%) at preschools.
“No deaths linked to HFMD have been reported to date,” the ministry said.
It said a total of 38,285 premises – including childcare centres, kindergartens, preschools and homes – have been inspected nationwide, with 1,140 of them ordered to close under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
Another 430 premises had closed voluntarily, it added.
The ministry urged parents and guardians to take preventive measures such as ensuring their children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet, and to regularly clean frequently touched items and surfaces with soap, water or disinfectant.
Category: MJN enews
