Three kindergartens in Sarawak were closed after cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were detected by a health team yesterday.

They were Sedidik Jaya in Sri Aman and Kindergarten Methodist Sze Hua and Tadika St Clement, both in Sarikei.

All districts were being monitored to prevent another outbreak.

Up to the fourth week this year, 132 cases have been reported, with 40 cases in Kuching, 23 in Sarikei and Sibu, 14 in Bau and 12 in Miri.

HFMD is endemic in Sarawak. It occurs once every three years. The last outbreak was in early last year. The outbreak was declared over on Oct 3.

On Jan 24, the state health department issued an alert to all districts and hospitals when the Institute of Health and Community Medicine of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak reported that it had detected the EV71 virus in Kuching, Sarikei, Miri and Limbang.

All districts had been told to step up preventive measures and investigate reports of the disease.

Checks must also be made at childcare centres, nurseries and pre-schools.