Penang sees 150% rise in HFMD cases after Hari Raya
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All reported cases in Penang have shown only mild symptoms and were treated as outpatients.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PEXELS
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GEORGETOWN – Penang has reported a spike in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases, with infections rising by more than 150 per cent following the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
State health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen revealed that four new HFMD clusters were identified during the 15th epidemiological week, which spanned from April 6 to April 12.
“Penang recorded 579 new HFMD cases during this period, an increase of 353 cases or 156.2 per cent compared with the previous week.
“Four new clusters were also reported. This increase is believed to be due to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday,” he said in a statement on April 18.
Despite the spike, Mr Gooi assured the public that all reported cases in Penang have shown only mild symptoms and were treated as outpatients, with no severe complications or patients requiring intensive care.
As at April 12, the state has logged a cumulative total of 4,585 HFMD cases – more than five times higher than the 879 cases recorded during the same period in 2024.
The Central Seberang Perai district reported the highest number of cases, with 1,362 infections, followed by the South Seberang Perai district (884), the North-east district (852), the South-west district (845), and the North Seberang Perai district (642), he added.
Following a meeting with the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (Pemudah), the Penang Educational Institution Entrepreneurs Association and the Penang Health Department, Mr Gooi said entrepreneurs raised concerns about challenges in managing the current HFMD situation.
In response, the health department will assess the effectiveness of its existing operations and implement necessary improvements.
Mr Gooi said: “I urge all parties to be vigilant and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection and address the rise in HFMD cases. Maintain personal, household, and environmental hygiene, and wash hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitiser.
“Avoid sending children who show symptoms or signs of infection to daycare centres or schools, and seek medical attention at the nearest clinic or hospital, especially if children develop fever and rashes on their hands, feet, or mouth.”
“Children showing symptoms should not be taken to crowded public places such as swimming pools, markets, or shopping malls,” he added. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
