Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is an infectious disease that occurs among children and infant. The virus can spread out by direct contact with nose, throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blister or the stool of an infected person.
Ministry of Health reported (Mei, 2022) that there is an increase of 27 times of HFMD cases compared to 2021. It is becoming an endemic disease in Malaysia as the number of cases have increased, especially in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Perak, Kelantan and Sabah. Besides, majority of outbreaks is occurred in nurseries, kindergartens and preschools.
The first week of the infection is the most contagious period. Therefore, parent or caretaker play an important role to monitor their child from any symptoms before sent to school center.
Here some tips to protect your love ones from HFMD.
- Wash hands and sanitize contact area with soap and water or sanitizer.
- Observe for any symptoms on your child such as fever, cough, ulcers, loss of appetite, rash or red blisters on the hands and feet. Don’t hesitate to seek medical advice!
- Minimize the child’s exposure of crowded area/public places/preschools/nurseries/kindergartens as it can spread the infection.
- Dispose disposable diapers in a covered trash can.
Let’s start practice a good hygiene to help to prevent HFMD.
