Penang sees sharp rise in HFMD cases in first three months of 2025
This marks an increase of 409 per cent, or 2,769 cases, compared to 677 cases recorded in the same period last year.
GEORGE TOWN - Penang recorded a significant increase in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases in the first three months of this year, with 3,446 cases reported from Jan 1 to March 22.
This marks an increase of 409 per cent, or 2,769 cases, compared to 677 cases recorded in the same period last year.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the Seberang Perai Tengah district recorded the highest number of cases at 1,082, followed by Seberang Perai Selatan (700), Timur Laut (628), Barat Daya (620) and Seberang Perai Utara (416).
"In the 12th Epidemiological Week from March 16 to 22, a total of 422 new HFMD cases were reported.
"This represents an increase of 25 cases or 6.3 per cent compared to the previous week. During the same week, 22 new HFMD clusters were also reported,” he told a press conference at Komtar here today.
Also present were Penang State Health Department deputy director of public health Dr Rozaini Mat Shah and principal assistant director of infectious disease control Noor Farhana Mohd Fathil.
Gooi said that of the 112 clusters reported so far this year, 81 clusters or 72.3 per cent, involved preschools (eight), taska (24), tadika (39) and tabika (10), while 30 outbreaks were detected in primary schools and one in a daycare centre.
However, he noted that only 26 clusters remain active, adding that all reported cases exhibited mild symptoms and were treated as outpatients.
"According to the enterovirus surveillance, the primary virus causing HFMD transmission in Penang is Coxsackievirus A16, which spreads through contact with saliva, blister fluid and faeces of infected individuals.
"Most infections cause mild symptoms such as fever, followed by blisters on the hands, feet, mouth and tongue. Nearly all HFMD patients return home without requiring specific treatment within seven to 10 days,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Gooi said one case of Enterovirus 71 was detected this year, but it was not severe.
Following this development, the State Health Department urged the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to curb the rising HFMD cases, including maintaining personal hygiene and ensuring household and environmental cleanliness. - BERNAMA
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