As of April 27, there has been a rise in weekly cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Selangor. The number of cases has exceeded the warning level.
The main concern here is that the recorded 5,346 cases infects children under age seven. A total of 112 HFMD clusters reported involved 547 cases with 95 per cent of them involving clusters in nurseries, kindergartens and day-care centres, according to Selangor State Health Department (JKNS).
The recent rush of Malaysians going back to their hometown for Eid only means that there will be more exposure of the children to the disease during the festive season.
Consultant Paediatrician and Head of Department of Paediatrics Ara Damansara Medical Centre, Dr Rakhee Yadav said parents should take precaution of their children since there is a possibility for the young children to contract the disease in the midst of celebration.
She listed things parents should be aware of when taking care of their children which includes avoiding sick children, making sure their children keep washing their hands and avoiding crowded places.
"Parents should be aware that HFMD can spread very easily via droplets in the air or surfaces.
"This means they should be vigilant if their children have a rash or a fever or mouth ulcers and make sure to isolate them for at least seven to ten days, until there are no new lesions,” she told Sinar Daily.
She said close contacts and gatherings in big groups could increase the possibility of children contracting the disease where everyone will be shaking hands and hugging their relatives and family members.
What parents can do to minimise the risk is to make sure that their children wash their hands often and avoid attending functions if their child is clearly unwell.
When asked about the possibility of children contracting other diseases besides HFMD during the festive season, she said the probability is high because of the lively Eid celebration we can expect to happen in a few days.
"Any infectious disease can spread during festivities and this is why parents play a big role in their children’s health.
"Because not only is there the risk of HFMD, but diarrhoea diseases or food poisoning as well as influenza can spread easily too,” she added.
However, she advised that parents should not panic if their kids happen to contract the disease during the festive season. Just keep in mind to see a doctor immediately if they suspect that their child has contracted the disease and isolate them at home to prevent further spread.
If parents can make sure to keep this in check, then there will be nothing to worry about for Eid celebration this year!