Operators urged to screen children to curb HFMD spread
PUTRAJAYA: Childcare centre and kindergarten operators have been urged to screen children upon entry, to help curb the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said that cooperation from childcare centre and kindergarten operators in conducting screenings, including monitoring for signs of infection on children's hands, feet, and mouth, is crucial to preventing further spread of the disease.
'We advise the public not to panic, as preventative measures are actively being implemented, and we already have comprehensive guidelines in place.
'What we need now is community cooperation, especially from childcare centre and kindergarten operators who are at higher risk of HFMD exposure, to at least carry out basic screenings,' he told reporters, after launching the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) Management of Erectile Dysfunction here today.
Lukanisman also stressed that parents have a crucial role to play, by practising preventative measures, and closely monitoring their children to ensure they are not infected with HFMD.
'Early screening can help prevent the infection from spreading to other children,' he said.
On May 12, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported that, as of the 17th epidemiological week, ending April 26, a total of 99,601 HFMD cases were recorded nationwide, marking a 266 per cent increase, compared with 27,236 cases during the same period last year.
It said that 10,421 cases, or 10 per cent, were linked to outbreaks, while the remaining 89,180 cases occurred sporadically.
The ministry also said that five states recorded the highest number of cases: Selangor (27.2 per cent), followed by Johor (9.9 per cent), Perak (9.4 per cent), Kelantan (7.2 per cent), and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (6.9 per cent).
Regarding the claim of a potential increase of up to 30 per cent in treatment charges at private hospitals and clinics, Lukanisman said that the MOH would investigate the matter.
'We currently have no information on this matter, but any concerns raised will be addressed as they arise,' he said.
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Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: For infected children, parents or caregivers should provide comfort care such as offering soft foods, cool drinks and administering paracetamol, if needed, for fever or pain, she added. - Bernama pic Kuala Lumpur: Parents and caregivers are advised to remain extra cautious following the recent surge in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) amid the excitement of the school holidays. Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC) Paediatric Infectious Disease Consultant Dr Ch'ng Tong Wei said the current scale of transmission is alarming, necessitating heightened awareness and preventive measures. 'As a paediatric infectious disease specialist, I have observed a rise in hospital referrals, concerned parental inquiries and requests for guidance from preschools and kindergartens on outbreak management,' she said in a statement today. 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She said that although most cases are mild, with recovery within seven to 10 days, a small number of cases, usually linked to the EV71 virus strain, might lead to complications such as viral meningitis, encephalitis (brain inflammation) and cardiopulmonary complications. 'The good news is that these complications remain very rare,' she said. She said most children recover without complications, but consulting a doctor is paramount if the child exhibits symptoms such as refusal to eat or drink due to the risk of dehydration, high fever above 39 degrees Celsius that lasts more than two days and lethargy, irritability or altered consciousness. 'Severe cases may require hospitalisation for intravenous hydration, antipyretics, and close neurological monitoring,' she said. 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According to the Ministry of Health, HFMD cases in the country saw a 266 per cent increase in infections to 99,601 cases as of the 17th epidemiological week this year, compared with 27,236 cases in the corresponding period last year, but no fatalities were reported linked to the disease. The ministry said 10,421 of the cases this year, or 10 per cent, were outbreak-related, while 90 per cent, or 89,180 cases, occurred sporadically. SMC, Malaysia's largest private quaternary hospital, continues to be a leader in medical innovation and patient care, offering 28 centres of excellence with 810 licensed beds and more than 60 specialities supported by a diverse multidisciplinary team that provides personalised treatment within a holistic care framework. SMC's Children's Health and Development Centre is home to 50 paediatric consultants and surgeons, offering expertise across 26 paediatric subspecialties, including neonatology, paediatric cardiology, neurology, oncology, gastroenterology and endocrinology, the highest number in any private hospital in Malaysia. The healthcare provider also features Malaysia's first dedicated Children's Emergency Department in a private hospital, offering personalised care for young patients. SMC was named the top hospital in paediatric in Malaysia in the Best Specialised Hospitals Asia Pacific Newsweek 2024 rankings and was also conferred with other international recognitions, including top 250 hospitals globally in Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals rankings for two consecutive years and Hospital of the Year (Malaysia) Award at the Healthcare Asia Awards for four consecutive years.
