Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease (HFMD) - Update

17 October 2000

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17 Oct 2000

JOINT PRESS RELEASE BY MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT,

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SPORTS

and MINISTRY OF EDUCATION:

From 1 Oct to 16 Oct 2000, a total of 2024 cases of HFMD were reported. The number of cases with onset of illness peaked on 4 Oct 2000 and since then the numbers have been dropping steadily. The majority of cases occurred during the first week (1400). During the second week, the number dropped to 580 cases.

There are only 5 cases in hospital. Their condition is mild and stable.

The Taskforce would like to urge parents to continue to exercise caution by not bringing their children to crowded places and to public playgrounds. Outside of schools, children should not mix with other children for the time being. Also, parents should monitor their children's well-being closely. Any child who is unwell should be sent to see a doctor immediately and should not be allowed to attend school.