The Sabah Health Department has reported a sharp rise in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases this year, with 1,406 cases recorded in Epidemiological Week 18, up 428 percent from 266 cases in 2024.
Despite the surge, Health Department director Dr. Maria Suleiman assured that control measures are in place and the situation is improving, with cases gradually decreasing.
From January 1 to May 10, Sabah recorded 6,919 cases. She said the department continues to monitor the situation and advises parents to maintain hygiene, avoid crowded places, and seek early treatment.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});Nationwide, 99,601 HFMD cases have been reported as of Week 17, with no deaths recorded.