HFMD: Nine nurseries in Terengganu ordered to close

Nine nurseries in Terengganu have been ordered to close for 10 days following the outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) which showed an upward trend since last May.

Terengganu Health director, Dr Mohammad Omar said the directive to close the nurseries in stages from May involved three nurseries in Marang, another three in Setiu, two in Kuala Terengganu and one in Besut.

"A total of 401 HFMD cases have been reported in the country since January to August 20, compared with only 147 cases for the same period last year, an increase of 172.8 per cent.

"Out of the total, Setiu district recorded the highest cases of 73 followed by Kuala Terengganu and Dungun (70 cases each), Marang (60), Kuala Nerus (43), Hulu Terengganu (33), Besut (29) and Kemaman (23)," he said.

He told this to reporters after inspecting the Batu Buruk Taska Permata Keluarga here today which was also attended by Terengganu Family Development Foundation (YPK) director Ramlah Idris.

The nurseries were ordered to close for 10 days since last week after 14 babies, between aged eight to 18 months, were infected with HFMD.

Dr Mohammad said during the closure period, the nurseries were asked to clean the surroundings sich as the baby nursery, toys and all tools used.

The spread of HFMD in Terengganu has surpassed the alert level for the 11th week this year but it would not cause deaths except due to complications that might cause deaths if not treated early.