The number of new hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Sarawak has dropped dramatically to 49 cases today from 103 yesterday, bringing the cumulative reported cases to 2,684 so far.

A statement released by the Sarawak Health Department's state HFMD operations room here said the drop in cases was observed in Kuching, Samarahan, Betong, Sarikei, Kapit, Bintulu and Limbang divisions.

However, a rise was observed in Sri Aman division only while the situation in Mukah, Sibu and Miri remained mostly unchanged.

The cumulative number of admissions is 182, with 18 patients still in the ward at the Sarawak General Hospital here and other hospitals in Miri, Sibu, Bau, Bintulu, Sarikei, Kapit and Limbang, but none are seriously ill cases.

No deaths due to HFMD have been reported so far.

The statement also said the department advised the public to practice good hand hygiene, including frequent hand washing to prevent the disease from spreading.

- Bernama