Kelantan HFMD cases surge to 11,813 as of June, health officials warn
Dr. Zaini Hussin, JKNK director, stated that weekly cases peaked at 960 during the 17th epidemiological week but have since dropped below 400 per week. 'Children under six remain the most affected, accounting for 9,912 cases or 83.9 per cent of total infections,' he said. Another 1,679 cases (14.2 per cent) involved children aged seven to 12, while only 222 cases (1.9 per cent) were reported in individuals over 12.
A total of 138 HFMD outbreaks were recorded statewide, with Pasir Mas and Kota Bharu each reporting 29 outbreaks (21 per cent). Kuala Krai followed with 27 outbreaks (19.5 per cent). Early childhood education centers, including nurseries and kindergartens, were primary transmission sites, contributing to 102 outbreaks (73.9 per cent). The remaining 36 outbreaks (26.1 per cent) occurred in private homes.
Laboratory findings identified Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) as the dominant strain, spread via saliva, blister fluid, and fecal contact. 'Most cases are mild, with full recovery in seven to 10 days,' Dr. Zaini assured, noting no severe cases or fatalities.
Health authorities urged daycare and preschool operators to enforce entry screenings, disinfect surfaces, and report cases promptly. The public is advised to maintain hygiene, wash hands frequently, and keep symptomatic children home.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
'Gay sex party': Health Ministry-NGO collab vital in enhancing infectious disease prevention, says Kelantan Health director
KOTA BARU: Close collaboration between the Health Ministry and health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is a key element in strengthening infectious disease prevention and implementing early interventions, especially among high-risk groups, according to Kelantan Health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin. According to Bernama, he said strategic approaches such as outreach activities conducted by the Kelantan Patient Intermediary Association (Sahabat), with support from the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, serve as a good example of an effective collaboration between government agencies and NGOs. He said collaboration with NGOs like Sahabat enables the ministry to reach out to high-risk groups such as drug addicts who use syringes and men who have sex with men. "Health education programmes and field activities conducted since 2006 by Sahabat in partnership with the ministry have had a positive impact on raising public awareness about HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and Hepatitis C. "The health education provided not only aims to raise awareness of the importance of prevention and early diagnosis but also helps protect close contacts such as wives and children from the risk of infection,' he said in a statement on Monday (July 21). Dr Zaini's statement comes hot on the heels of a police raid on a supposed "gay sex party" a bungalow in Kemumin, Kota Bharu, last week. However, the raid has sparked controversy after several NGOs and individuals denied that any illicit activities took place, claiming instead that the gathering was a health outreach event focused on HIV awareness and testing. Commenting further, Dr Zaini said the ministry remains committed to a public health approach that prioritises prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive treatment access for all levels of society. He said this is in line with the national health policy, which takes into account religious values and cultural sensitivities. "Such strategic collaborations will continue to be expanded as part of efforts to strengthen the community support system in addressing public health issues in an inclusive and effective manner,' he said.
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
MOH-NGO partnership boosts infectious disease prevention in Kelantan
KOTA BHARU: Close collaboration between the Health Ministry (MOH) and health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is crucial in strengthening infectious disease prevention and early intervention efforts, particularly among high-risk groups, said Kelantan Health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin. He cited outreach initiatives by the Kelantan Patient Intermediary Association (Sahabat), supported by the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, as a successful model of government-NGO cooperation. Such partnerships allow MOH to engage with vulnerable communities, including intravenous drug users and men who have sex with men. 'Health education programmes and field activities conducted since 2006 by Sahabat in partnership with the ministry have had a positive impact on raising public awareness about HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and Hepatitis C,' Dr Zaini said in a statement. He emphasised that these efforts not only promote prevention and early diagnosis but also safeguard close contacts, such as family members, from infection risks. Dr Zaini reiterated the ministry's commitment to a public health approach focused on prevention, early intervention, and accessible treatment for all. This aligns with national health policies that respect religious and cultural sensitivities. 'Such strategic collaborations will continue to be expanded as part of efforts to strengthen the community support system in addressing public health issues in an inclusive and effective manner,' he added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- New Straits Times
Health Ministry works with NGOs to combat HIV
KOTA BARU: Kelantan Health Director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said collaboration between the Health Ministry (MOH), his department and health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is vital in engaging high-risk groups, including intravenous drug users and men who have sex with men (MSM). He said their collaboration enhanced awareness of disease prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment to avoid serious complications. "The Health Ministry is referring to recent news coverage on an outreach activity by Sahabat, an NGO operating under the guidance of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF). "Sahabat is a strategic partner of the Kelantan Health Department and has worked closely with us since 2006 in implementing health education and field activities targeting high-risk populations, including intravenous drug users and MSM," he said. Zaini said health education plays a crucial role in protecting close contacts, including wives and children, who may be at risk of HIV infection. He added that the outreach efforts also focused on raising awareness about HIV, sexually transmitted infections and Hepatitis C. "The MOH remains committed to a public health approach that prioritises disease prevention, early intervention and access to treatment for all, in line with the national health policy that respects religious values and cultural sensitivities," he said. Kelantan police foiled a secret gathering involving more than 100 gay men in Pengkalan Chepa last month, which was believed to be on the verge of escalating into immoral activities. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the event took place at a rented bungalow in Kemumin in mid-June, following a tip-off from the public regarding a planned closed-door event involving a gay group in Kota Baru.
