Kelantan reports surge in HFMD cases, threefold increase from last year
KOTA BARU: Kelantan is experiencing a significant surge in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases this year, with 8,801 infections reported as of epidemiological week 19.
State health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said the figure is more than three times higher than the 2,348 cases recorded during the same period last year.
"The number of outbreaks has also risen sharply to 126, compared to just two outbreaks in 2024," he said.
Currently, there are 12 active outbreaks, with four each in Pasir Puteh and Kuala Krai, and one each in Pasir Mas, Machang, Gua Musang, and Kota Baru.
Zaini said the weekly infection trend remains high, with an average of 895 new cases reported each week, reflecting the spike seen in 2022.
"All districts have recorded an increase in cases, with Kota Baru topping the list at 3,060 cases.
"Other districts are reporting between 400 and 850 cases," he added.
Zaini urged parents, childcare centres, and the public to remain vigilant, practise good hygiene, and avoid exposing children to crowded places if symptoms are detected.
He also reminded business operators to adhere to standard operating procedures to curb the spread of the disease.
On May 12, the Health Ministry said a total of 99,601 HFMD cases had been reported nationwide as of epidemiological week 17 this year.
The figure represents a 266 per cent increase compared to the 27,236 cases recorded during the same period last year.
Selangor recorded the highest number of cases at 27,118 (27.2 per cent), followed by Johor with 9,864 cases (9.9 per cent), Perak with 9,347 cases (9.4 per cent), Kelantan with 7,147 cases (7.2 per cent), and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya with 6,850 cases (6.9 per cent).
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