Hand, foot and mouth disease in Malaysia (Perlis State)

Media quoting public health authorities have reported that as of 3 June 2022, there have been 1,174 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) recorded this year in Perlis state, on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia.  Nurseries and children's daycare centres have been affected.

HFMD is a mild viral infection most common in children, but can also affect adults. It causes a fever, a blistering rash on the hands and feet, sore throat and sores in the mouth. The infection spreads easily between people through coughs and sneezes, contact with saliva, poo, or fluid in blisters of an infected person, or with surfaces contaminated by the virus.

Symptoms are usually mild and most people recover within a week to ten days. Serious illness is unusual.There is no specific treatment for HFMD. No vaccine is available.

Advice for travellers

To reduce the risk of spreading HFMD, travellers to an outbreak area should be encouraged to:

• wash their hands often, especially after changing nappies. Children should also be encouraged and/or assisted to wash their hands.
• avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• avoid close contact, such as kissing and hugging, with someone infected with HFMD
• avoid sharing towels, bedding or household items like cups, plates and cutlery with someone infected with HFMD
• regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces and personal items such as mobile phones where someone has HFMD

Further information on HFMD can be found on NHS inform and NHS UK websites.