By Media Selangor Team
SHAH ALAM, May 22 — The hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak in Selangor is under control and showing early signs of recovery, following integrated containment measures implemented by health authorities and state agencies.
State executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said this was thanks to coordinated action by the Selangor State Health Department (JKNS), especially in the wake of a surge in cases after Aidilfitri.
In a statement today, she said 39,233 HFMD cases were logged between May 4 and 10 (epidemiological week 19, or ME19), with a sharp rise in cases observed from ME15.
“The rise was linked to higher public movement, house visits, close contact among children at family gatherings, and the sharing of food and toys,” she said.
Jamaliah also cited weak entry-point screening at childcare facilities as a factor, where symptomatic children were not properly isolated.
Nine cases involving the more severe EV71 strain were reported, with seven in Sabak Bernam and two in Hulu Langat.
Only one patient required hospitalisation and has since recovered, while the remaining eight were treated as outpatients.
JKNS surveillance showed that most HFMD clusters emerged in early education centres such as nurseries, kindergartens, preschools, and tuition centres (42.8 per cent), followed by primary schools (5 per cent), daycare centres (3 per cent), and secondary schools (0.2 per cent). A further 49 per cent of outbreaks occurred in residential homes.
To contain the spread, 192 premises (63 nurseries, 81 kindergartens, 25 tabika, 15 preschools, one daycare centre, six primary schools and one other facility) were voluntarily closed.
Meanwhile, enforcement under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 led to the closure of 168 nurseries, 157 kindergartens, 69 tabika, 29 preschools, two daycare centres, and 10 primary schools.
JKNS has intensified virus sampling in outbreak hotspots and among hospitalised cases to improve the detection of virus variants and to strengthen control efforts.
While the situation is improving, Jamaliah urged parents not to send symptomatic children to childcare centres or school until they recover.
“Operators of early education institutions are also advised not to accept symptomatic children, to conduct health screenings at entry points, and to maintain optimum hygiene levels at all times,” she said.
As part of its awareness campaign, the Selangor government will distribute HFMD information kits, including symptom guides, prevention steps, and hygiene practices, to childcare centres in outbreak hotspots.
“The state government remains committed to working closely with JKNS and all relevant agencies to ensure this outbreak is effectively contained,” Jamaliah said.
