Drastic measures to stop spread of disease

NST: PUTRAJAYA: Pre-schools and kindergartens in Sarawak which failed to maintain cleanliness will not be allowed to resume operations when school reopens next year.
Operators have to abide by the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry to prevent an outbreak of the hand, foot and mouth disease. Sarawak has been the hardest hit by HFMD.
This year, it recorded 14,410 cases after an epidemic broke out in January.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak warned operators to toe the line, adding that checks on kindergartens in the state would be carried out before the start of the new academic session.
He said the tough measures were necessary as the number of cases continued to rise.
"There will be enforcement to ensure that pre-schools and kindergartens follow the guidelines. This covers all private and public facilities, including those run by the ministries of Rural and Regional Development, Education, and Women, Family and Community Development," Najib said after chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Health and Cleanliness yesterday.
The guidelines cover the cleanliness of bathrooms, kitchens, toys, play areas and the handling of children affected by the disease.
Children are the most susceptible to HFMD, which spreads through the mucus and faeces of infected persons.
The symptoms are a fever, a rash, ulcers in the mouth and sores or blisters on the palms and feet.
The committee also discussed the sudden spike in the number of dengue cases, from the average of 400 a week to 800 last week.
Najib said Kuala Lumpur and Selangor had been identified as the most critical areas due to idle construction projects, rubbish problems and clogged drains.
In view of Visit Malaysia Year next year, the Cabinet wanted more effort into sprucing up the Klang Valley and keeping it disease-free. One measure will involve the free distribution of Abate larvicide through public clinics and healthcare facilities.