2,132 HFMD Cases Recorded In 2006
By Sonia K.

Bandar Seri Begawan - A total of 2,132 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were recorded in the country in 2006, but the number has seen a decrease in recent months, the Ministry of Health stated in its press release yesterday.

Despite the decrease, the ministry urged the public to remain vigilant against the disease.

In the latest update, 302 cases were recorded in the month of August 2006. The number continued to slide in September with 217 cases, October with 100 cases, November with 80 cases and December with only 46 cases recorded.

Meanwhile for 2007, another 46 cases were recorded in January, of which only three required ward treatment, with the remaining 43 receiving outpatient treatment and having cured completely.

At the same time, the ministry again reminded the public especially parents to bring their children to the hospital immediately if they suspect them of having been infected with HFMD.

According to the ministry, the symptoms of HFMD may include the child becoming weak and losing the appetite to eat or drink. They may also experience vomiting and jerky movement. Other symptoms include paleness of skin, high fever and heavy breathing.

Such signs or symptoms indicate the possibility that the disease has become serious. Children aged 2 years and below are easily susceptible to complications from the disease.

It is therefore important that the public are aware of the signs or symptoms among children because it is otherwise difficult to predict that they could be infected with the disease.

Although the recent number of cases recorded is low, the public are again reminded to practise proper hygiene and cleanliness from time to time, because the virus might still be present and can affect humans, the ministry stated.

For more information on HFMD, contact Healthline at 2381967. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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