Latest news with #CoxsackievirusA16
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Kelantan HFMD cases surge to 11,813 as of June
KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan State Health Department (JKNK) has confirmed 11,813 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) as of the 25th epidemiological week this year. The figure marks a 14-fold spike compared to the same period in 2023, though cases have declined since the 17th week. 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.
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Kelantan HFMD cases surge to 11,813 as of June, health officials warn
KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan State Health Department (JKNK) has confirmed 11,813 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) as of the 25th epidemiological week this year. The figure marks a 14-fold spike compared to the same period in 2023, though cases have declined since the 17th week. 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.
The Star
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Kelantan records over 11,800 HFMD cases so far this year
KOTA BARU: The Kelantan Health Department has recorded 11,813 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) as of the 25th epidemiological week (ME25) this year. Its director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said the number showed a 14-fold increase compared to the same period last year, but a downward trend in cases had begun to be recorded since ME17. "The average weekly case count in ME17 was 960 cases and since ME23, weekly cases have decreased significantly to fewer than 400 per week. "Children aged six years and below are the most affected group, with 9,912 cases or 83.9% of the total cases reported," he said in a statement on Tuesday (June 24). The seven-to-12 age group saw 1,679 cases (14.2%), while there were only 222 cases (1.9%) of individuals over 12 years. Dr Zaini said a total of 138 HFMD outbreaks had been reported throughout the state, with Pasir Mas and Kota Baru each recording 29 (21%), while Kuala Krai recorded 27 (19.5%). He said early childhood education institutions such as nurseries, kindergartens and pre-schools were among the main locations of transmission with 102 out of 138 outbreaks (73.9%) occurring at such premises, while 36 outbreaks (26.1%) occurred in private homes. "Enterovirus monitoring found that the main virus causing HFMD transmission in Kelantan is Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) which is spread through contact with saliva, blister fluid and stool of patients. "Most cases are mild and patients recover completely within seven to 10 days without requiring specific treatment. "So far no serious cases or deaths from HFMD have been recorded in Kelantan,' he said. He urged daycare and pre-school operators to take responsibility in implementing entrance screening, disinfecting surfaces and equipment, avoiding the sharing of personal items, and immediately reporting cases to the nearest district Health office. He said the public is advised to continue to be vigilant by practising personal and environmental hygiene, washing hands regularly and not sending symptomatic children to daycare centres or schools. – Bernama
