The tourism sector in Sarawak is reeling from the latest outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

Malaysian Association of Hotels, Sarawak chapter, chairperson Edward Holloway said five-star hotel have suffered a loss of RM150,000 from the cancellation of 1,200 bookings following news of the outbreak in the state.

Most of the cancellations involved students and student groups, both local and international, he was quoted as saying by the Borneo Post .

The hotel industry also suffered an average 20 percent drop in revenue from food and beverage due to the disease. The latest outbreak has affected thousands and resulted in eight deaths.

The Sarawak medical authority's website said the number of cases tends to increase from February and June. In 1997, an outbreak claimed 31 lives in the state.

HFMD is a common illness among infants and children caused by a virus that often occurs in those under 10 years old.

It is characterised by fever, sores/ulcers in the mouth and a rash with blisters. The blisters may appear in the mouth, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The rash may also appear on the buttocks, legs and arms.

Provide information

The current outbreak, believed to have started in Sibu, is spreading into rural areas, according to Deputy Chief Minister Dr George Chan, who is also state disaster relief committee chairperson.

Although the number of cases is higher, he said this was because of the pro-active stance taken by the medical and health authorities in sending out surveillance teams.

Chan told reporters that indications point to a downward trend with the situation now well under control.

Despite the assurance, some members of the public want more information.

"It's not enough just to give the statistics. The public has a right to know where the latest outbreak started and if this actually affects the Rajang River," said a parent who declined to be named.

"The information that is missing is how the disease is being transmitted - whether from person to person, or through the air, food and water - and also the infection period from the time a person contracts the disease until it becomes serious or even fatal."

A recent report had quoted Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek as saying that the source could be the Rajang River in Sarawak.

"Is this because of the deteriorating quality of the water because of excessive pollution due to land clearing for logging and plantations?" asked the parent.

Malaysiakini learnt that Universiti Malaysia Sarawak has been requested to include a study of the Rakang River in its research on water quality to determine any links with the HFMD outbreak.

The state's medical authorities could not be reached for comment.