HFMD cases more than triple compared to same period last year, says Health Ministry
PETALING JAYA: The number of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases has more than tripled so far in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, says the Health Ministry.
It said there were 99,601 cases reported as of the 17th epidemiological week, a 266% increase compared to 27,236 cases during the same period last year.
To date, no fatalities related to the disease have been reported.
"Of the total cases this year, 10,421 cases or 10% were outbreak-related, while 90% or 89,180 cases occurred sporadically," the ministry's disease control division said in a statement on Monday (May 12).
Selangor reported the highest number of HFMD cases with 27,118 cases, followed by Johor (9,864 cases); Perak (9,347); Kelantan (7,147); and Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (6,850)
The division also found that 2,649 outbreaks were reported so far, an increase of 49% compared to 1,339 outbreaks during the same period in 2024.
"Of these outbreaks, 578 occurred at nurseries followed by 480 outbreaks at kindergartens, government-run preschools or tabika (292) and 251 at preschools," it said.
The ministry also said 38,285 premises across the country were inspected, including nurseries, kindergartens, government-run preschools, preschools and residential homes.
"Of these, 1,140 premises were ordered to close under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 while 430 closed voluntarily.
"In addition, 220 town-hall sessions and briefings have been conducted across the country by the state health departments (JKN) and district health offices to provide health education aimed at curbing the spread of HFMD," it said.
The Health Ministry also advised parents and guardians to practice prevention measures such as washing hands before eating or after using the washroom.
This includes ensuring toys, toilets and frequently used items are cleaned periodically using soap or disinfectants.
"Personal items such as cups, towels and toothbrushes should not be shared. Children displaying symptoms must seek medical treatment immediately and not attend childcare centres or public places," it said.
Further information on HFMD can be found at infosihat.moh.gov.my and the ministry's official Facebook page.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
2 hours ago
- Daily Express
Sabah wants rural docs waiver: Federal freeze on allowances
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 By: Nora Ahmad Text Size: James, accompanied by Dr Maria, upon arrival for the colloquium Kota Kinabalu: State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib is pushing for rural doctors' allowances in Sabah and Sarawak to be exempt from the current Federal freeze. He said he would present the proposal to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad during a meeting scheduled here today (Thursday), citing concerns that the frozen allowances could worsen the State's existing doctor shortage in rural areas. Advertisement 'We are already facing a shortage of doctors serving in rural areas. If their allowances remain frozen, many doctors may not renew their government contracts, which would severely impact Sabah,' he told reporters after officiating the 17th Public Health Colloquium, here, Wednesday. He pointed out the disparity between urban and rural postings, noting that while both face the same allowance freeze, rural doctors work in areas lacking basic infrastructure, including wifi access, clean water supply and electricity. For the record, according to State Health Director Dr Maria Suleiman, Sabah currently has 2,981 permanent doctors and specialists, with an additional 1,072 on contract. On healthcare infrastructure improvements, James revealed that around 30 remaining wooden health clinics Statewide will be replaced with concrete structures, expected to be completed next year. He said during his two-and-a-half-year tenure, about 100 dilapidated wooden clinics have been upgraded. He also disclosed ongoing efforts to acquire Sabah's first Positron Emission Tomography scanner for cancer detection and monitoring. The machine, currently under tender process and expected to arrive this year, will be installed at the Sabah Women and Children's Hospital, eliminating the need for patients to travel to Sarawak for scans that cost up to RM3,000. Additionally, he called for improved regulation of electronic cigarettes, citing concerns about illegal substance contamination. He said he could only make recommendations to the Health Ministry to improve regulations on vape-related matters. 'I will recommend improvements in advisory measures to prevent indiscriminate vaping, a study to control (the manufacturing of vape products) and to determine whether they are laced with drugs. 'If the vape liquid contains drugs, the responsible individuals should be arrested,' he said. On banning the sale of vapes, James said the jurisdiction lied with the Local Government and Housing Ministry. Perlis, Terengganu, Kelantan, Johor and Kedah have banned the sale of vape products. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
2 hours ago
- Daily Express
Ranau woman files suit over Covid
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 Text Size: Khairy in his former capacity as Health Minister, a post he held from August 2021 to November 2022, as defendants in the suit. Kota Kinabalu: A businesswoman from Ranau has filed a civil suit against the Government and Khairy Jamaluddin, alleging she was wrongfully penalised for being unvaccinated during the Covid-19 pandemic. Naomi @ Neomi Francis filed the suit at the Sessions Court in Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday. Advertisement This is believed to be the first known civil suit in Sabah relating to Covid-19 enforcement, raising questions over administrative overreach and alleged infringement of personal rights. The 59-year-old named the Ranau District Council, the Health Ministry and Khairy in his former capacity as Health Minister, a post he held from August 2021 to November 2022, as defendants in the suit. Francis, who operates a stall at the Ranau Central Market, claims she suffered financial losses, reputational harm and psychological trauma after being issued a compound notice on Dec 20, 2021. She said the compound notice was issued on grounds that she had continued to operate her business without receiving a Covid-19 vaccination. In her statement of claim, Francis said she felt compelled to receive the vaccine simply to keep her business afloat. 'I was pressured to obtain vaccination solely for the purpose of continuing my business operations,' she said, adding the ordeal caused her 'significant mental exhaustion, emotional distress and trauma'. The compound notice was later cancelled by the Health Ministry on Feb 17, 2023. In an official letter, the Ministry's chief enforcement officer acknowledged a technical error in the enforcement action and returned the case to the Sabah State Health Department for review. The Ranau District Council subsequently retracted the compound notice in a letter dated March 8, 2023. However, Francis said the damage had already been done. Her stall remained closed from September 2021 until March 2023. 'During this time, I lost income, loyal customers and the public's trust in my business,' she said in the court filing. She is now seeking specific damages for 18 months of lost earnings, along with general and exemplary damages, interest and legal costs. Francis is represented by Messrs Priskila Akwila Advocates. The court has fixed the hearing for July 14, 2025. Khairy is now a media personality and co-host of the Keluar Sekejap podcast. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
Your vaccine from 2021 is not enough: Expert says Covid-19's threat remains
KUALA LUMPUR: The public, particularly high-risk groups, are recommended to get the latest Covid-19 vaccine, which has been adapted to current variants, to ensure more effective protection. Family medicine specialist and Medical Mythbusters Malaysia vice-president Dr Megat Mohamad Amirul Amzar Megat Hashim said that, although many Malaysians have been vaccinated, earlier doses may no longer offer adequate protection against the latest circulating variant. "Therefore, it is important to get vaccinations that are tailored to the current variant. The Health Ministry also continues to recommend that high-risk individuals keep their vaccination status up to date, particularly those who are planning to travel, attend large gatherings, or live with elderly people or individuals with weakened immune systems,' he said in a statement on Wednesday (June 11). According to the Health Ministry, over 11,000 Covid-19 cases have been reported since January, serving as a clear reminder that the public should not become complacent, even though the figure remains below the official alert threshold. Commenting further, Dr Megat said that individuals who have been vaccinated are more likely to recover faster, avoid hospitalisation, and reduce the risk of developing post-Covid-19 complications, including 'long Covid'. He also emphasised the importance of early screening, urging those who feel unwell, or experience symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue, fever, body aches, or stomach upset, which could be early indicators of Covid-19 infection, to get tested promptly. "If someone feels unwell and belongs to a high-risk group, getting tested is not only about protecting oneself, but also about safeguarding family members and the wider community,' he said. "We now have access to treatments that can prevent complications, but their effectiveness depends on early intervention. Dr Megat explained that timely testing and vaccination not only benefit individuals, but also help curb the spread of the virus within families and communities, as most severe cases often begin with mild symptoms that may go unnoticed. "This responsibility is no longer just personal, it is directly tied to our collective duty to protect our loved ones,' he said. "By getting tested early and staying up to date with vaccinations, we also help ease the burden on the national healthcare system, and shield those who are most vulnerable. He also encouraged the public to use the MySejahtera application to check their eligibility for booster doses, and to conveniently book vaccination appointments. For more information on Covid-19 symptoms, vaccinations, or to locate the nearest testing centre, the public is advised to refer to the MySejahtera app, or consult a healthcare professional.- Bernama
