The number of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Penang has increased by 8.4 times, as 959 cases were reported from January to May 7 this year as compared to 102 in the corresponding period last year.

State Agrotechnology and Food Safety, Rural Development and Health Committee chairperson Norlela Ariffin (above) said during the period, 54 HFMD clusters were reported compared to only seven in 2021 which was a 6.7-fold increase.

“HFMD disease is contagious and common among...