A downward trend in new cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Sarawak had been recorded over the last one week with 29 reported today, bringing the total number to 4,423 to date.

State director of health, Dr Zulkifli Jantan, in his daily update today said 13 of the new cases occurred in Kuching, Miri and Samarahan (four each), Bintulu (three), Sri Aman (two), Kapit, Limbang and Sibu (one each), with no new cases in Sarikei, Mukah and Betong.

Five new admissions were recorded over the last 24 hours where two each were in Bintulu and Sibu and one in Kuching.

Overall, Kuching recorded 1,634 cases, Bintulu (522), Samarahan (494), Miri (335), Limbang (302), Sarikei (256), Betong (227), Sri Aman (184), Sibu (179), Kapit (148) and Mukah (142).

A total of 11 childcare and learning institutions throughout the state were still closed under the Health Department’s order to curb the spread of the disease.

- Bernama