Personal hygiene the key to prevent spread

Malay Mail: Personal hygiene is the key to avoiding the hand, foot and mouth (HFM) disease, says the Health Ministry’s disease control director, Datuk Dr Ramlee Rahmat.
Cleanliness should be practised on a personal level and at home, particularly in the toilets.
And since HFM is common among children below 12, toys should not be shared.
“Although HFM cases have been reported in Sarawak, it can occur at places where cleanliness is poor. And that’s why to ward off the HFM virus, one should pay attention to cleanliness and have proper nutrition,” said Dr Ramlee yesterday.
He was asked about the possibility of the virus spreading beyond Sarawak and how to stop its spread.
A total of 3,087 suspected HFM cases were reported in the State.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek had said there were also boys aged 13, 14 and 17 who showed mild symptoms of HFM in Sibu, Sarawak.
HFM has reached a serious level and that was why the Ministry ordered the closure of all kindergartens, nurseries and pre-schools in Sarawak for two weeks, said Dr Chua.
Meanwhile, Dr Ramlee said people now tend to talk about preventing the disease from spreading beyond Sarawak.
“That is due to ignorance but everybody should be concerned over its spread and stop the transmission as fast as possible,” he said.
“One can limit the spread by maintaining cleanliness and personal hygiene and seek treatment in hospitals.
“HFM can be easily cured within seven days of treatment, and is not fatal.”