Five schools in Sabah have been temporarily closed following a sharp rise in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases that has seen more than 4,000 infections recorded statewide so far this year.

The Sabah Health Department confirmed on Tuesday that between 1 January and 19 April 2025, a total of 4,385 HFMD cases were reported — with 83% involving children under the age of seven.

Clusters of infections were detected in 10 schools, prompting full closures at five of them, while the remaining institutions have shut specific classes where outbreaks were reported.

Sabah Health Director Dr Maria Suleiman said the closures were a precautionary measure to allow for thorough cleaning and disinfection of affected premises to break the chain of infection.

“All reported cases have been mild and treated as outpatients. There have been no ICU admissions or deaths,” she said in a statement last night. 

The five worst-hit districts were Kota Kinabalu (705 cases), Papar (578), Penampang (450), Keningau (431), and Tawau (262).

Most transmissions occurred in homes and early childhood education settings such as nurseries, kindergartens, and pre-schools.

Health authorities have begun conducting inspections at high-risk premises and initiating sampling, awareness campaigns, and hygiene checks in line with national health ministry protocols.

Parents have been urged to keep symptomatic children at home and maintain good hygiene by regularly disinfecting toys, bathroom surfaces, and commonly touched items. Personal items such as towels and toothbrushes should not be shared.

“Children showing symptoms should seek treatment immediately and refrain from attending public spaces or daycare centres,” Dr Maria said.

The public can find more information on HFMD prevention through the Ministry of Health’s website and official social media platforms.

JKNS said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed. – May 1, 2025