KUCHING: With Sarawak recording a total of 4,708 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) as of August 1, it has caused worries among parents with young children.
Jacqueline Jiet, 29, an expecting mother with two little children said she would avoid bringing her children out too often especially at crowded places.
“If I need to bring them out together with me, I always ensure my children take bath first immediately after arriving home.
“As for my eldest son, after he comes back from school, I will always make sure he cleans himself first by taking bath before playing with his younger brother and I will also not allow them to share food with each other, “ she said when met by reporters yesterday.
Apart from that, she also always makes sure her children’s toys are clean as they often bringing these items outside to play with.
Meanwhile, Stephanie Lin, 35, a mother to five children said among the precautions she took so far included having less outside activities with her children.
“I also avoided putting my children in the shopping trolley when going to the supermarket.
“Coming back from outside, my children must clean their hands and feet as well as changing their clothes,” she said adding that the best thing to do would be to avoid crowded public places as the disease could also get infected by human to human touch.
Assistant Environmental Health Officer Mohd Nizam Seli said parents are advised to make sure their children are confined to the house and avoid bringing them to public places.
“Parents must also keep themselves and their children hygienic.
“Make sure your children’s toys are clean and do not share it with others as well as do not share food with infected people,” he said.
If possible, clean houses and appliances with special antibacterial fluids.
“If your children show signs of the disease, please do not bring your children to public place, school and nursery but stay at home only,” he said adding that it is a must to dispose used diapers inside closed garbage bins.
