By ALWIN LAWRENCE
KUCHING: Five hundred and fifty-three children between 6 and 12 years old in Sarawak were infected with the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) from January to April this year.
According to the state Health Department, during that period, four Year One classes and nine pre-school classes were directed to close under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
“HFMD easily affects children in kindergartens and primary schools. Usually, the infections begin with fever, followed by rashes on hands, feet, mouth and tongue.
“Almost all patients with this disease recover without treatment within seven to 10 days. More severe infections can occur because at present, there is no vaccine for this infection.
“We are grateful that throughout 2018 until April this year, no schools in the state were instructed to close,” said state Education Department deputy director Abang Mat Ali Abang Masagus at the Malaysia Book of Records recognition ceremony at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Green Road here today.
He explained the state Health Department had held meetings with the state Education Department as well as statutory bodies, government agencies, and private kindergartens to discuss strategies to address the problem.
“We also conduct screening checks at school entrances to ensure that children with HFMD symptoms get immediate treatment.
“In addition, relevant parties are also advised to improve their level of hygiene inside and outside of school to curb the spread of germs as contained in the childcare guideline in nurseries (taska) and integrated action plan to prevent and control HFMD,” he said.
Meanwhile, 167 pupils from SK Green Road, Kuching were among 450,000 pupils throughout Malaysia who participated in a hand washing exercise using hand sanitisers for the Malaysia Book of Records today.
The event was a continuation of the HFMD Prevention Campaign which was held last year.
“It is hoped that this hand hygiene practice will be a daily practice among the children to reduce the HFMD disease.
“There are no vaccines to protect you against HFMD. Maintain self-cleanliness to avoid infection,” said Abang Mat.
