PENANG has recorded almost 300 new hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases over the last few days.

Yesterday, 96 cases were reported, Tuesday (75), Monday (67) and Sunday (61).

However, only 24 patients are warded at private and public hospitals, according to the daily report on the outbreak by state health exco Dr Afif Bahardin’s office.

Most of the cases – 192 – were reported on Penang Island.

Twenty primary schools, preschools and daycare centres, and some classes, remain closed statewide.

The schools with some classes closed are SJK (C) Kwang Hwa (13 cases) and SJK (C) Moh Gee Pusat (7) in the northeast district, and SJK (C) Beng Teik Pusat (2) and SK Juara (2) in central Seberang Prai.

Penang has recorded 2,696 HFMD cases this year compared with the 1,117 in the same period last year, making it a 141.4% increase.

The number of cases has increased nationwide, except in Sabah and Sarawak.

Earlier this week, Director-General of Health Dr Noor Hashim Abdullah said 35,886 cases had been reported from January 1 to Monday.

HFMD is a common infection caused by a group of viruses. It is spread through close contact with patients, and via the faeces and saliva of infected individuals. Contaminated objects, too, facilitate the spread of the disease.

Dr Afif previously said the spike in cases in Penang followed the school holidays, meaning children who had travelled during the break may have gotten infected then, and spread the disease upon their return to school.

He also said it was found that supermarket trolleys contributed to the outbreak.

Symptoms of HFMD include fever, and blisters on the hands and feet, and in the mouth.

Patients usually recover in seven to 10 days without treatment.

However, the Enterovirus 71 can cause serious complications, like encephalitis, pulmonary edema, haemorrhage and myocarditis, which could result in death. – July 26, 2018.