Stop spreading fake news on HFMD: Penang govt

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has denied rumours of a fatality following the spread of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
Rubbishing the rumours circulating on social media, state Health Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin urged netizens not to spread the unverified information.
He said the situation is under control, despite an increase in the number of cases.
Afif said a total of 88 new cases have been reported as of Wednesday and this brings the number to 2,170 cases compared to 1,084 last year.
"Thirty-five premises have also been temporarily closed, including seven primary schools," he said.
So far, SJK (C) Shih Chung, SJK (C) Sum Sun, SJK (C) Chong Cheng, SK Sungai Bakap, SK Saujana and SJK (C) Moh Ghee Pusat and been temporarily closed.
Afif stressed that hygiene and cleanliness are important aspects to be adhered to and urged the public to prioritise personal hygiene.
"Those infected with HFMD could mostly recover by themselves within seven to nine days, " Afif said, adding the disease could be spread through contact.
HFMD is a viral disease caused by the Coxsackie A16 and Enterovirus 71 virus and the symptoms include fever, rash and upper respiratory tract infection.