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Ministry urges vigilance against viral HFMD ahead of Idul Fitri holiday
Indonesian health authorities have recorded at least nearly 5,500 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) from the beginning of the year until March 16.
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Passengers wait to board a train on April 3, 2024, at the train station in Jakarta, as they return to their hometowns, an activity locally known as “mudik“, ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday. (Reuters/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana)
T
he Health Ministry is urging the public to remain vigilant against hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) as authorities have reported rising cases of the viral infection ahead of the Idul Fitri holiday season.
The ministry reported that health officials found nearly 5,500 cases of HFMD across the country between January and March 16.
It also noted a rise in cases in 20 of 38 provinces compared to the same period last year, said ministry spokesperson Siti Nadia Tarmizi. But she stressed that the increase was insignificant.
“This disease is very contagious but not dangerous. We will continue to educate the public to remain vigilant and implement good hygiene practices,” Siti told The Jakarta Post on Monday.
Read also: Ministry reassures public following six mycoplasma pneumonia cases
Locally known as “Singapore flu”, HFMD is an infectious disease commonly found in infants and children under 10 years old, and is caused by enteroviruses. Adults can also get infected the but show no symptoms and act as carriers of the disease.
Symptoms of the disease include fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers and rash and blisters on the hands and feet. But symptoms often recede between seven and 10 days after infection without treatment.
