Hand Mouth Foot Disease Outbreaks in Johor: The Influence of Health Education and Advocacy

Introduction

Hand Foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) continues to be the most prevalent among young children of all febrile illnesses and rash syndromes. Although this viral infection is highly contagious, it is benign and self-limiting. All Malaysian states have recently reported an increase in HFMD cases, with Johor, the most populous and most diverse state, being the hardest hit. Basic educational expertise and skills, are essential components of health. In addition, health enforcement plays a crucial role in assisting the implementation and enforcement of relevant laws and regulations to combat this disease. The objective of the study to describe the prevalence and enforcement activity of HMFD cases in Johor.

Methods

HFMD is a notifiable disease in Malaysia. A cross sectional investigation was carried out using secondary data gathered from Disease Infectious Control unit and Inspectorate and Enforcement Unit. Data analyses was performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS.

Results

A total of 461 cases and 106 outbreaks was reported from January to July 2022. The highest outbreak contribution originated form childcare centre 45 (42.5%), personal home 22 (20.8%), kindergarten 13 (12.3%) and others 26 (24%). Bivariate correlation test was conducted to determine three continuous variables. The results show a significant relationship between enforcement activity, health promotion, and cases notified in Johor (P value <0.01, correlation coefficient 1.00).

Conclusion

National strategies on health education and health enforcement of individual and public health behaviours, jointly by ministries of Health, Education and Home affairs in collaboration with relevant professional bodies, such as infection control societies, can provide framework that is appropriate to tackle the increasing in cases and muster for future outbreaks. Education campaigns directed at reducing the spread of disease, particularly in high-risk age groups, include disseminating information on good personal hygiene habits should be continuously conducted even though if the case has reduced.