Death Of Two Children-Investigations Underway

30 Sep 2000

JOINT PRESS RELEASE BY MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT,

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SPORTS

and MINISTRY OF EDUCATION:

The Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) Task Force received notification this morning from KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) of two deaths clinically suspected to be related to HFMD.

The two children, a 14-month old girl and her two-and-a-half year-old brother were admitted to the KKH on 28 September with fever, rash and vomiting. Both children died this morning. The children's older 5-year old brother is also at KKH, and in a stable condition.

At the moment, the specific virus that caused the deaths of the two children is yet to be confirmed. Post-mortem investigations are underway. However, the children presented with HFMD-like symptoms, such as rashes on hands and foot and mouth ulcers. In order to minimise the risk of transmission, children in the susceptible age group below five years of age should not be gathered together. In this regard, the HFMD Taskforce has decided, as a precautionary measure, to immediately close all places where children gather, such as childcare centres, kindergartens, enrichment centres, playgroup, etc. These will remain closed till further notice.

Parents are also advised to keep their children away from crowded places. In addition, they should consult a doctor if their children have any of the following symptoms: fever lasting two to three days, sore throat and runny nose, mouth ulcers, rash (usually blister-like) over hands, feet and diaper areas, vomiting and diarrhoea, tiredness and weakness.

Members of the public are advised that there is no cause for concern. The measures taken by the authorities are necessary precautionary measures to err on the side of safety. Those who need any information can call the following hotlines:

Ministry of the Environment : 7319184 / 7319761/ 1800-7319222

ENV Hotline: 1800-4532222

Ministry of Health : 3259220/1800 - 2254122

Ministry of Community Development and Sports: 1800-2580677

(For parents of children in childcare centres)

Ministry of Education : 92173865

The public can also access ENV's website at http://app.mewr.gov.sg and MOH's website at https://www.moh.gov.sg for information on the HFMD.