A Surge in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: What Every Parent Should Know
16 May 2025
By Dr Ch’ng Tong Wei, Consultant Paediatrician & Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist
Recently, Malaysia has seen an increase in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases, which is common during this time of year. As a paediatric infectious disease specialist, I have observed a rise in hospital referrals, concerned parental inquiries, and requests for guidance from preschools and kindergartens on outbreak management.
While HFMD is not a new illness, the current scale of transmission is alarming, necessitating heightened awareness and preventive measures.
.jpg)
What is HFMD?
HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection predominantly affecting children under five. The illness typically presents with:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Reduced appetite
- Painful oral ulcers
- Rash on the hands, feet, and occasionally buttocks
Most cases are mild, with recovery within 7–10 days.
Note on Severe Cases
A small number of cases (usually linked to EV71) may develop complications like viral meningitis, encephalitis, and cardiopulmonary complications. Good news is, these complications remain very rare.
What Parents and Schools Can Do?
Since there’s no specific treatment, prevention and comfort care are key:
- Keep sick children at home. This is the most effective way to stop the virus from spreading. Children with HFMD should remain at home until all blisters have dried and they are fever-free for at least 24 hours.
- Handwashing is critical. Teach children to wash their hands properly, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
- Disinfect toys and surfaces regularly with chlorine-based or antiviral disinfectants.
- Temporarily limit visits to playgrounds, childcare centres, or crowded spaces during outbreaks.
- Avoid sharing utensils, towels, or personal items.
- Offer soft foods, cool drinks, and paracetamol if needed for fever/pain.
When to See a Doctor?
Most children recover without issues, but consult a doctor if your child has:
- Refusal to eat or drink (risk of dehydration)
- High fever (>39°C) beyond 2 days
- Lethargy, irritability, or altered consciousness
Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous hydration, antipyretics, and close neurological monitoring.
A Community Responsibility
HFMD is more than just a rash. It disrupts families, schools, and healthcare resources. The recent rise in cases across Selangor, Johor, Perak, and other states is a reminder that we must remain vigilant—not just in hospitals, but as a community.
At Sunway Medical Centre, we are monitoring the situation closely. Our paediatric teams, nurses, and infection control unit are working hand-in-hand to support parents and manage cases safely and efficiently.
By staying informed and adopting preventive measures, we can collectively reduce transmission and safeguard our children’s health.
For further inquiries or medical advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
Back
