Malaysia Sees 266% Surge In HFMD Cases This Year. These 3 States Are The Worst-Hit
To date, a total of 38,285 premises have been inspected nationwide, with 1,140 ordered to close.
Malaysia has reported a sharp rise in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases this year, with nearly 100,000 cases recorded — a 266% spike compared to the same period in 2024
According to Bernama, the Health Ministry (MOH) said a total of 99,601 cases have been reported nationwide as of Week 17 this year, compared to 27,236 cases last year.
Selangor recorded the highest number of infections at 27,118 cases (27.2%), followed by Johor with 9,864 cases (9.9%), and Perak with 9,347 cases (9.4%).
This is followed by Kelantan with 7,147 cases (7.2%), and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya with 6,850 cases (6.9%).
Image via New Straits Times
While most infections (90%) were classified as sporadic, about 10,421 cases were linked to outbreaks — many of which occurred in childcare-related settings
Out of the outbreaks, 578 occurred in daycare centres (22%), 480 in kindergartens (18%), 292 in pre-schools (11%), and 251 in nursery schools (9%).
To date, a total of 38,285 premises — including childcare centres, kindergartens, preschools, and homes — have been inspected nationwide, with 1,140 ordered to close under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.
Another 430 premises had closed voluntarily.
The ministry added that no deaths related to HFMD have been reported.
Image via New Straits Times
To curb the spread of HFMD, MOH has urged parents to remind their children to practise good hygiene
The ministry urged parents and guardians to take these preventive steps:
- Teach children to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet
- Clean toys and high-touch surfaces with soap or disinfectant
- Avoid sharing personal items like cups, towels, or toothbrushes
MOH also reminded parents to keep children with HFMD symptoms, such as fever, rashes, and sore throat, at home, and to seek medical care immediately.
Here are precautions to take to keep your child protected and stop HFMD from spreading:
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