Kelantan sees spike in HFMD cases, over 11,800 infections in young children
KOTA BARU: Kelantan has recorded 11,813 cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in the first six months of the year, as of epidemiological week (EW) 25 which ended on June 21, reflecting a 14 fold increase compared to the same period last year, according to state health authorities.
State Health Director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said although the total number of cases has surged, a downward trend has been observed from EW17 to EW25.
"The average weekly cases were recorded at 960 during EW17 but have since dropped significantly to below 400 cases from EW23 onwards," he said.
He added children aged six and below accounted for the majority of infections, with 9,912 cases or 83.9 per cent, followed by the 7 to 12 age group with 1,679 cases (14.2 per cent) and 222 cases (1.9 per cent) involving individuals over the age of 12.
"So far, a total of 138 HFMD outbreaks have been reported across all districts in Kelantan.
"The highest number recorded in Pasir Mas and Kota Baru (29 outbreaks), followed by Kuala Krai (27 outbreaks).
"Premises such as childcare centres, kindergartens and preschools are considered high-risk for outbreaks," he added.
An outbreak is defined as two or more epidemiologically linked cases occurring in the same locality within the HFMD incubation period.
Of the 138 outbreaks this year, Dr Zaini said 102 or 73.9 per cent involved such institutions while the remaining 36 or 26.1 per cent occurred at private residences.
Dr Zaini said nearly all HFMD patients recover without the need for specific treatment within seven to 10 days.
"No severe cases or deaths have been reported in the state," he added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
3 days ago
- Barnama
COVID-19 Situation Under Control In Kelantan
GENERAL KOTA BHARU, June 25 (Bernama) -- The COVID-19 infection situation in Kelantan remains under control with a cumulative total of 303 cases recorded up to the 25th Epidemiological Week (ME) of this year, said the Kelantan Health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin. He said the weekly average of cases remains around 12 cases, with 34 cases reported during ME24 compared to 35 cases the previous week. "Monitoring throughput ME25 also recorded five cases admitted to wards and these involved three adults and two children. "All these patients have fully recovered without any admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU) or deaths recorded this year," he said in a statement today. Dr. Zaini said that although Kelantan is still below the warning level, proactive preventive measures need to continue to be practiced, especially among high-risk groups such as the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, immunocompromised teenagers, pregnant women and healthcare workers. "The state health department encourages this group to receive an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as extra protection, while individuals aged 18 and above can also voluntarily receive the vaccine after consulting with a medical officer. "The residents of this state are also urged to get immunisation as needed under the National Immunisation Programme. This vaccination service is provided free of charge at selected government health clinics," he said. In this regard, Dr. Zaini also advised the public to continue practicing preventive measures such as washing hands with soap or using hand sanitiser, practicing cough and sneeze etiquette, and wearing face masks if symptomatic or in crowded areas. According to him, the state health department is constantly monitoring the current developments of COVID-19, and any latest information can be accessed through the official website at
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
COVID-19 situation under control in Kelantan
KOTA BHARU: The COVID-19 infection situation in Kelantan remains under control with a cumulative total of 303 cases recorded up to the 25th Epidemiological Week (ME) of this year, said the Kelantan Health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin. He said the weekly average of cases remains around 12 cases, with 34 cases reported during ME24 compared to 35 cases the previous week. 'Monitoring throughput ME25 also recorded five cases admitted to wards and these involved three adults and two children. 'All these patients have fully recovered without any admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU) or deaths recorded this year,' he said in a statement today. Dr. Zaini said that although Kelantan is still below the warning level, proactive preventive measures need to continue to be practiced, especially among high-risk groups such as the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, immunocompromised teenagers, pregnant women and healthcare workers. 'The state health department encourages this group to receive an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as extra protection, while individuals aged 18 and above can also voluntarily receive the vaccine after consulting with a medical officer. 'The residents of this state are also urged to get immunisation as needed under the National Immunisation Programme. This vaccination service is provided free of charge at selected government health clinics,' he said. In this regard, Dr. Zaini also advised the public to continue practicing preventive measures such as washing hands with soap or using hand sanitiser, practicing cough and sneeze etiquette, and wearing face masks if symptomatic or in crowded areas. According to him, the state health department is constantly monitoring the current developments of COVID-19, and any latest information can be accessed through the official website at
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- New Straits Times
Five admitted for Covid-19 in Kelantan over the past week, all recovered
KOTA BARU: Five individuals, including two children, were hospitalised for Covid-19 in Kelantan during Epidemiological Week (EW) 25, which ran from June 15 to 21. Kelantan Health Department director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said all five patients have since made a full recovery. He added that no Covid-19-related intensive care unit (ICU) admissions or fatalities have been recorded in the state so far this year. "As of EW25, Kelantan has recorded a cumulative total of 303 Covid-19 cases, with an average of 12 new cases reported weekly. "In EW24, the state logged 34 cases, showing a slight decrease from 35 the previous week," he said in a statement. Zaini said the Covid-19 situation in Kelantan remains under control and is still below the alert threshold. As a precautionary measure, he urged high-risk groups, including senior citizens, individuals with comorbidities, immunocompromised adolescents, pregnant women, and healthcare workers, to receive an additional dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. He added that individuals aged 18 and above are also eligible to receive the vaccine voluntarily, subject to medical advice. "I urge all Kelantanese, regardless of age, to get vaccinated in line with the recommendations under the National Covid-19 Immunisation programme. "Free immunisation and vaccination services are available at selected government health clinics," he said. Zaini reminded the public that although the country is now in the endemic phase of managing Covid-19, it remains important to practise preventive measures. "These include frequent handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitiser, as well as wearing face masks in crowded places," he said. He added that the department would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates via the official portal at
