HFMD: Two children experience severe symptoms, treated in ICU

SHAH ALAM - Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said two children who have been diagnosed with the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) are experiencing severe symptoms and require treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

He said both cases were found positive for Enterovirus 71’ (EV71) that causes HFMD and that the virus was among the predominant viruses in the Malaysian environment.

“As of May 25, the first case is recovering and no longer needs respiratory assistance, but is still being monitored in the ICU, while the second case still needs respiratory assistance but is in a stable condition.

"Surveillance of the viruses that cause HFMD found that the EV71, Coxsackie A6 (CA6) are the major viruses in the Malaysian environment," he said in a press conference which was held virtually via Zoom on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Khairy said control and prevention measures of the disease were being carried out by the District Health Office which included inspection, closure and disinfection of premises, clinical sampling, health education as well as townhall sessions.

He said activities during the townhall sessions include talks related to HFMD and the role played by the agency to address the increase in the cases in the country.

“A total of 151 townhall sessions have been conducted in the states following the increase in cases since April 2022, covering 25 per cent of the total registered nurseries and kindergartens, which is 5,866 out of 23,505 registered premises.

"Meanwhile, 183 indoor playgrounds were inspected to ensure cleanliness.

"For the purpose of planning and coordinating HFMD control and prevention activities, national and state HFMD operation rooms have been opened as early as April 4," he said.