Friday, February 25, 2005

Closure for schools with HFM cases

Schools and kindergartens affected by the hand, foot and mouth disease will be closed temporarily to enable health authorities to conduct remedial measures to contain the virus.
Health Ministry Disease Control Division director Dr Ramlee Rahmat said the move was necessary to prevent the disease from reaching epidemic proportions.
According to the ministry, 412 HFM cases were reported nationwide till Saturday.
Dr Ramlee said Penang had 309 cases, followed by Kedah (24), Pahang and Perak (15 each), Selangor (13) and Johor and Malacca (12 each).
“The virus is contagious. So, parents must monitor their children and send them to clinics if they suspect any symptoms of the ailment,” he said.
Dr Ramlee said the virus could be transmitted by air, saliva and personal contact.
Among the symptoms are high fever, rashes, ulcers and blisters. – Bernama

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