KOTA KINABALU: As of April 19, Sabah recorded a total of 4,385 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), 83 percent being children aged below seven.

Sabah Health Department Director Dr Maria Suleiman said several schools were forced to close following the detection of infection clusters.

In a statement Wednesday, she said the top five areas are Kota Kinabalu with the highest number of cases (705), followed by Papar (578), Penampang (450), Keningau (431), and Tawau (262).

“All cases were mild and only required outpatient treatment. No admissions into the intensive care units and no deaths have been reported,” Dr Maria said.

She said most infections were detected at home or in early childhood centers such as preschools, nurseries and kindergartens.

Clusters were detected in 10 schools, where five schools were ordered to close as a control measure, she said.

“The closure is temporary to conduct more in-depth investigation and carry out disinfection and cleaning procedures in order to break the chain of transmission,” she said.

Inspections were conducted in accordance with the guidelines by Ministry of Health to gauge the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection carried out at affected buildings, especially in high-risk areas, she said.

Parents and guardians were reminded to take precautionary measures such as wash hands after visiting toilet and before taking meals. No sharing of personal belongings such as cups, toothbrushes and towels.

More information on HFMD prevention can be found at infosihat.moh.gov.my or the official Facebook pages of the Health Ministry and Sabah Health Department.