2,919 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease reported in Malaysia

Via The Star, excerpt :

" A total of 2,919 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were reported in the country so far this year but there have been no death due to the disease.

In fact, the Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Hasan Abdul Rahman said Sunday in a statement that there appeared to have been a drop in reported cases compared with 8,769 cases reported all of last year.

He said most cases were recorded in five states - Sarawak with 914 cases, Selangor (513 cases), Johor (300), Perlis (300) and Pulau Pinang (263).

"The National Public Health Laboratory surveillance found that Coxsackie A16 and Enterovirus 71 (EV 71) were the most common strains causing HFMD. The virus is spread through direct contact with the mucus, saliva or faeces of an infected person. The incubation period is between three to five days," he said.

HFMD, usually attacks infants and children under the age of 10, causing them to run a fever, develop ulcers in the mouth, especially on the tongue and gums, as well as blisters or rashes on the hands and feet, he said."