Trolleys and toys at malls linked to outbreak of HFMD

GEORGE TOWN: Trolleys and toys at shopping malls have been identified as among the main causes of the spread of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Penang. A letter dated July 13 sighted by theSun identified the objects that have contributed to the outbreak, with 2,341 cases reported so far this year.
The letter, issued by the southwest district health office, indicated that investigations done by the authorities revealed that trolley handles, toys and chairs in malls were among the main cause of the spread through contact.
It also advised shopping malls to disinfect the items with diluted bleaching to disinfect them.
The number of HFMD cases in Penang has dropped for three consecutive days since Wednesday.
State health, agriculture and agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Afif Bahardin said the drop was significant, as the number of recorded cases were 78 on Wednesday, 52 on Thursday, and 51 on Friday.
"However, cumulative number of cases is still high at 2,341 cases so far this year compared with just 1,099 cases in 2017 within the same period," he said in a press conference at Komtar today.
Afif said since the outbreak early this month, 30 premises remain close, including 10 kindergartens, seven nurseries, six primary school, six preschools and one childcare centre.
He said the school that still closed are SK Sungai Bakap, SJKC Sum Min 1, SK Saujana Indah, SJKC Moh Ghee Pusat, SJKC Beng Teik and SJKC Kwang Hwa.
He said as of last Friday nine patients were still being warded and had received treatment at the hospital.
He also dismissed viral reports in social media, such as Facebook, of death caused by HFMD, and said the state Health Department can confirm the cause of death of the patient.
"I urged the public to not simply believing viral message on social media unless it has been confirmed by the state Health Department," he said.
HFMD is a viral disease caused by the Coxsackie A16 and Enterovirus 71 virus and the symptoms include fever, rash (maculopapular and vesicles) in the palms and feet and ulcers in the mouth and on the tongue, as well as upper respiratory tract infection. It is spread through saliva, blisters and faeces.