HFMD under control - Dr Subramaniam

The hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) situation in the country is still under control despite a case in Selangor recently, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.

"However, if it becomes an epidemic, we will take public health measures to control its spread to the people," he told reporters after officiating the Indian Community Transformation Programme for the Pagoh Parliamentary constituency at the Pagoh Sports Complex here Friday.

He said so far, those detected with HFMD had mild symptoms which could be easily treated.

Subramaniam also said schools were reminded to inform the authorities if anyone was found to have HFMD.

"If the authorities find HFMD cases, they will take steps to control it such as cleanliness, isolation and others," said Dr Subramaniam.

Yesterday, he was reported as saying HFMD cases would escalate every three years and the highest number was in 2012, with 34,519 cases and one death.

From January until April 11 this year, 13,497 cases were reported throughout the country, with an average of 964 cases a week.

So far, Sarawak had the most number of HFMD cases with 6,333, Selangor (2,727), Johor (919), Kuala Lumpur (661), Perak (642) and Sabah (593).