JOHOR BARU, MALAYSIA: Authorities here are closely monitoring the situation in the state following the hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak in Singapore.

Johor Health Committee chairman Dr Robia Kosai said as of now, there was no cause for alarm.

"We have had only 12 cases over the last 15 weeks. The situation here is under control," she told The Star.

Dr Robia said the state was currently focused on preventative measures to ensure that the outbreak did not spread across the Causeway. She said it was important for children and caregivers to maintain good hygiene at all times.

"Children are more susceptible, so adults have to ensure they keep themselves and their children clean," she said.

She added that all kindergartens had been directed to be careful and look out for possible signs of the disease.

"Victims will usually have fever, with blisters and rashes appearing on their hands, foot and mouth," she said, adding parents should keep their children away from school if they had such symptoms. --THE STAR