Fewer Cases Of HFMD, Says Govt
By Hadi DP Mahmud

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei has seen a decline in the outbreak of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) on a monthly basis last year, according to a report by the Ministry of Health.

The report showed a significant drop in the last five months of 2006, with month-on-month declines averaging 64 cases -302 cases were recorded in August, 217 cases in September, 100 in October, 80 in November and 46 cases in December.

There were a total of 2,132 cases recorded last year, the health report stated.

46 HFMD cases were registered last month, with only three cases requiring ward treatment.

The decline in HFMD cases in the sultanate was "expected", according to Dr David Reynolds of Riverview Medical Clinic.

"HFMD is an endemic," said Dr Reynolds, "meaning that it is confined within regions, unlike pandemics, such as the bird flu, which affect more than the expected number of cases of disease occurring in a community or region during a given period of time."

"Naturally, the numbers are expected to drop at some time," he said, referring to the first outbreak in March last year. "HFMD picks up in `little pockets' over the region. Outbreaks may occur in Kuching, and a few weeks later someone might catch it in Sandakan, and spread it to the others in that area. After awhile it usually quiets down," said the doctor, who has been in Brunei for 15 years.

"The environment also plays a big role, as well as diet," he said. "Poor kids living in areas with poor hygiene are more susceptible to falling ill from the disease".

Brunei's first casualty of HFMD was recorded in March last year, when a two-year-old boy from Brunei-Muara district succumbed to the disease, resulting in the closure of all primary schools for two months.

The health ministry has advised parents of children who show signs of weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting, jerky movements, pale complexion and fever to admit them to hospital immediately. The ministry further stated that the symptoms may lead to a more serious case, with children under two years old more susceptible to the disease.

The public has been advised to watch out for these symptoms within children, as difficulties are often faced with predicting the progress of children's cases. Preventive acts such as personal hygeine and avoiding children who have been infected in crowded places are encouraged, stated the report.

For more information on HFMD, call Healthline 2381967.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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