Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

22 May 2007

Question No:  214  

Question

Name of the Person: Mdm Cynthia Phua, MP for Aljunied GRC

To ask the Minister for Health in light of the outbreaks of the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, (a) whether there is an increase in the number of cases and frequency of an outbreak within this calendar year; and (b) what preventive measures can be taken to reduce the incidence of an outbreak.

Reply

Reply From MOH

Hand, Foot and Mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infection among young children. It is caused by over 60 types of viruses and the effects are usually mild. Only one particular virus, EV-71, can occasionally cause severe complications, including death.

Up to May 5th, 6,004 HFMD cases have been notified so far this year. This is an increase of 4% over last year (5,746 cases). There is a seasonal pattern to HFMD outbreak.  Not surprisingly, it peaks during the school terms and declines during the school holidays. 

The current outbreak is largely caused by the Coxsackie A16 virus. There was one case of EV-71 infection; fortunately the child did not have any complications. Almost all the affected children were treated as outpatients. Nevertheless, it causes much anxiety and inconvenience to the parents, besides adding to our patient load. We should try to minimize this infection.

There are two main strategies to reduce the incidence of HFMD. First, we must break the chain of transmission by keeping the infected child away from other children. Parents should keep them at home and not bring them to schools or childcare centres. Second, we must maintain high standards of personal hygiene among our children. Parents should set personal good examples. 

My Ministry will continue to work with MCYS and MOE, to get all childcare, kindergarten and preschool operators to adopt sound public health measures, including early identification and isolation of sick children. Meanwhile, we have stepped up public education on HFMD. MCYS and MOE officers have also stepped up their health inspections of all preschools. 

All of us, as parents and caregivers, have an important role to play, by inculcating good hygiene habits in children. This includes proper hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; and not sharing soiled toys. Seek medical attention early if the child is unwell.  And if the child is infected, please keep the child at home and away from other children.