Update On Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease

15 Sep 2000

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE BY

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT (ENV),

MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SPORTS (MCDS)

AND MINISTRY OF HEALTH (MOH)

 As of 5.00 pm today, another 54 clinically diagnosed HFMD cases from eight more childcare centres have been reported. (List of childcare centres in Annex A1). This brings the total number of cases to 107 (inclusive of the 53 cases announced yesterday). Post-mortem investigations so far do not indicate that the death of Lam Rui Qi was related to HFM disease. Investigations are still on-going.

ENV and MCDS will continue to step up inspections on the health and hygiene standards of all childcare centres.

Parents are reminded to seek medical attention early if their children have any symptoms of HFM disease viz; fever lasting 2-3 days, sore throat and runny nose, mouth ulcers, rash (usually blister-like) over hands, feet and diaper areas, vomiting and diarrhoea, tiredness and weakness.

Children should be kept away from crowded public places (schools, preschools, play groups, markets, public transport etc.) if they show signs of infection. Family members are advised to follow good hygiene practices to limit the spread of the infection. Transmission of HFMD is increased by poor hygiene and overcrowded living conditions.

Members of the public who need any advice or clarification can call the following numbers: 7319758 & 7319754 (ENV), 3259220 (MOH) and 3548187 (MCDS) information on childcare centres.