The number of new hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases recorded in Sarawak has increased dramatically to 70 cases today from 30 yesterday, reversing the downward trend for the past three consecutive days.

State Health Department director Dr Zulkifli Jantan said today the rise in new cases was observed in Kuching with 38 cases, Betong and Mukah (four), Sibu (one) Bintulu (nine), Miri (three) and Limbang (five).

The trend brought the cumulative number of reported cases to 4,163 so far, he said in the daily HFMD updates.

He said there were two new admissions, one each at the Serian hospital and Miri hospital, bringing the cumulative number to 328 reported throughout the state.

Two institutions were closed in Bintulu division after one was served with a closure order and another was voluntarily closed.

So far a total of 75 institutions, comprising schools, pre-school facilities or child care centres have been closed so far.

- Bernama