Seven Pupils, Four Teachers From Sarawak Hospitalised In Kangar

KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 (Bernama) -- Seven pupils and four teachers, who participated in a Girl Guides jamboree in Perlis, were admitted to the Kangar Hospital, Tuesday for suspected Hand, Foot and Mouth (HFM) disease.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said all of them had been placed in two isolation wards in the hospital after they came down with fever and some showed symptoms of HFM disease.
"They will be kept there until tests are conducted. We view seriously this latest development," he told reporters after launching products manufactured by ETAC of Sweden at the official residence of the Swedish Ambassador to Malaysia, Helena Sangeland, here Wednesday.
Dr Chua said that cases of HFM disease had occurred in the peninsula although not as serious as in Sarawak but the ministry viewed the matter with concern.
However, he said, he was disappointed that the seven pupils, mostly aged 10 and 11, had not heeded the ministry's advice not to visit the peninsula to avoid the possibility of spreading the disease here.