KUCHING, Malaysia: Sarawak is taking steps to prevent a major outbreak of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) following the detection of several cases involving the EV71 virus, which can cause a more severe form of the disease.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan said 21 EV71 cases had been recorded so far this year - 13 in Kuching and two each in Marudi, Miri and Kanowit.

As of Aug 2, a total of 3,330 HFMD cases had been recorded in Sarawak compared to 5,811 in the same period last year.

"Last year we did not have any cases of EV71. However, we are now beginning to see the first signs of EV71. The main measure we want to take is to prevent it from becoming an outbreak," Dr Chan told a press conference at his office here yesterday.

He said since Sarawak last suffered a major HFMD outbreak in 2006, the next was expected to be next year as studies had shown that the disease peaks every three years.

"Before the next outbreak occurs we hope to break the cycle and prevent it," he said.

He advised kindergarten and pre-school teachers to examine children for signs of the disease before they enter the classroom.

"It's no good to examine them in class because they're already mixing with other children. If they have the symptoms, don?t let them into the class but send them home," he said.

Similarly, he said parents should not send their children to school if they show symptoms.

Dr Chan was pleased to note that many kindergartens and pre-schools were now more aware about handling the disease and some had voluntarily closed their premises when they suspected a case among their pupils.