Penang closes 23 premises including 15 for HFMD | Malaysia

GEORGE TOWN, July 16 – Fifteen people were hospitalized for a hand and foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) in the state, while another 23 were closed during from the same epidemic

. daily report from the Penang Health Department, eight more cases of MMPD were reported on Saturday, bringing the total to 1,832 cases since January

which represents an increase of 71.2% over the same period last year. seven primary schools, five nurseries, eight children's gardens and three kindergartens.

Of the 15 patients treated, three are treated at Penang Hospital and two at Seberang Jaya Hospital. another at the hospital of Bukit Mertajam and nine others in private hospitals of the state.

Only one primary school – SJKC Shih Chung – was completely closed while only the affected classes were suspended in the other six.

are closed in SJKC Phor Tay, nine classes in SJKC Sum Sun, 11 classes in SJKC Chong Cheng, a class in SK Sungai Bakap, four classes in SJKC Sum Min 1 and three classes in SK Saujana Indah.

HFMD is caused by viral infections of strains Coxsackie A16 and Enterovirus 71 (EV71)

The virus is spread by saliva, blisters and feces of infected persons.

Symptoms of the disease include fever, rashes or blisters on the palms and feet, and ulcers in the mouth and tongue.