Search

Crucial to heed precautionary steps on HFMD

Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email

KUCHING: The general public, parents especially are urged to take precautionary steps during the current Hand, Food and Mouth Disease (HFMD) outbreak in Sarawak.

As of yesterday, the first fatality was reported in Daro, Mukah. In response to the case, Director-General of Health Malaysia Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on precautionary steps to reduce the risk of being infected by HFMD.

What is HFMD?

Is it caused by enterovirus, of which there are two types of virus called Coxsackie A16 and Enterovirus-71 (EV71).

Who are at risk?

Anyone could be infected. But children below 5 years old are more at risk. As 90 percent of HFMD cases are reported of children 5 years old and below.

Signs of Symptoms of HFMD?

It normally starts with a fever, and followed by lost of appetite. In a day or two, ulcer in the mouth is found. Some children might have rashes on the palm and could turn to blisters. The rashes would also spread to knee, elbow, and normally would not cause itchiness. Not all children will have the same signs and symptoms. Some would have rashes and blisters on the mouth. Some might have it without showing any signs or symptoms.

How does it spread?

It is a contagious sickness. The virus can be found in the nose, throat, blisters, and stools. The virus could be spread from person to person by nose and throat discharge, close contact with fluid from blister or stools, sharing of spoon, fork, towel, hand glove, and toothbrush, including toilet door knobs. Patients can spread the virus in a week.

How long does the virus survive on the surface?

Can survive few days in room temperature, causing the disease in three days.

Is it harmful?

It is a mild infection and will cure by itself. However, in some cases it can cause complications such as inflammation of the brain and heart.

How to detect severe HFMD?

When it affects the brain and heart, infected children will usually show symptoms such headache, dizziness, tension on the neck, quick tempered, sleepy and confused, irregular movement, fast breathing, becomes pale, tired, and convulsion (sawan).

Preventive Steps.

Wash hands frequently.

Avoid having direct contact with HFMD patients.

Avoid sharing eating and drinking utensils, toothbrushes, toys and personal items with HFMD patients.

Do not touch body parts such as eyes, nose, and mouth after touching HFMD patients.

Avoid bringing children with HFMD symptoms to public places, schools, nurseries, or kindergartens as they might spread or get the virus.

Ensure schools, nurseries, or kindergartens including home are clean, and clean floors with Clorox or other floor detergents.

Ensure and maintained high standard of personal and environment hygiene after going to the toilet.

For updates on HFMD, the general public may visit the Malaysia Health Ministry’s website at www.kpkesihatan.com.

Download from Apple Store or Play Store.