Anti-HFMD Measures Must Continue Although Cases Have Dropped In Sarawak

SIBU, March 19 (Bernama) -- The anti-hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) measures that have been put in place must continue although fewer cases have been reported in Sarawak in the last few days, Second Finance Minister Datuk Sri Wong Soon Koh said on Sunday.
Speaking when launching the Sibu Division Anti-HFMD Awareness Campaign organised jointly by the Sibu Municipal Council and the Divisional Medical Department here, he said it was important that the campaign be continued as a community-based preventive measure.
He attributed the recent drop in the number of HFMD cases to the dedication, commitment and sacrifices of the medical and education departments as well as efforts of the local authorities.
"I would like in particular to thank everyone concerned, including the teams of doctors, nurses and other hospital staff for an extremely well done job."
In his speech, Assistant Public Health Minister Dr Soon Choon Teck said that as of yesterday, there were a total of 5,329 cases of HFMD in the state, of which 2,074 were in Sibu, with 335 admissions and five deaths.
He said the disease was now under control although it was spreading to the rural areas.