Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...505&sec=nation
Updated: Friday January 2, 2009 MYT 7:54:04 PM
Sarawak braces for HFMD
By JACK WONG
KUCHING: Sarawak, which recorded nearly a 60% jump in the number of hand, foot and mouth disease to 10,505 cases last year, has warned that the worst is yet to come.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the rising trend was expected to peak in March or April. There were 6,571 cases in the state in 2007.
?Although no death was reported reported last year, parents must take the disease seriously,? he told reporters after being briefed by senior medical officials at his office at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here on Friday.
Dr Chan said 1,513 children were admitted to the hospitals statewide last year, and 14 were still warded.
He said due to the proactive steps taken by the health authorities, 28 children who were seriously ill by the disease had all recovered.
Last year, Kuching Division topped the list with 3,295 cases (2,015 in 2007), followed by Miri and Sibu with 1,608 and 1,572 cases respectively.
Dr Chan urged parents not to be complacent if their children were down with the disease. He said the children must be sent for treatment.
He said the disease, especially the EV 71 virus, was very dangerous and could cause death.
The disease killed more than 30 children during a major outbreak several years ago.
Updated: Friday January 2, 2009 MYT 7:54:04 PM
Sarawak braces for HFMD
By JACK WONG
KUCHING: Sarawak, which recorded nearly a 60% jump in the number of hand, foot and mouth disease to 10,505 cases last year, has warned that the worst is yet to come.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said the rising trend was expected to peak in March or April. There were 6,571 cases in the state in 2007.
?Although no death was reported reported last year, parents must take the disease seriously,? he told reporters after being briefed by senior medical officials at his office at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here on Friday.
Dr Chan said 1,513 children were admitted to the hospitals statewide last year, and 14 were still warded.
He said due to the proactive steps taken by the health authorities, 28 children who were seriously ill by the disease had all recovered.
Last year, Kuching Division topped the list with 3,295 cases (2,015 in 2007), followed by Miri and Sibu with 1,608 and 1,572 cases respectively.
Dr Chan urged parents not to be complacent if their children were down with the disease. He said the children must be sent for treatment.
He said the disease, especially the EV 71 virus, was very dangerous and could cause death.
The disease killed more than 30 children during a major outbreak several years ago.
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