13 Sep 2000
JOINT PRESS RELEASE BY MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT,
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
AND MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SPORTS:
Investigations into the death of the two-year old at the Cutie Kidz Playhouse, is still ongoing. Tissue samples are being analyzed to identify the species of virus responsible. From clinical symptoms, there is suspicion that the boy might have been infected with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
HFMD is a common contagious childhood disease, which occurs all over the world. It is usually mild and self-limiting. It may spread in an environment where children gather. HFMD can be spread through direct contact with nasal discharge, saliva, faeces, and fluid from the rash of an infected person. It can also spread indirectly through contact with play equipment, bedlinen and other articles used by an infected individual.
On very rare occasions HFMD can cause complications affecting the brain and the heart. And in very severe cases, may also cause death. So far, in Singapore there has not been any reported confirmed case of HFMD related death.
HFMD will become a legally notifiable disease under the Infectious Diseases Act, with effect from 1 October 2000. This will establish a baseline level on the incidence of this disease in Singapore which will help in the epidemiological surveillance and control of this disease.
In the last few years, the number of HFMD reported voluntarily by medical practitioners, members of the public and childcare centres, have increased from 26 per week in 1998 to 27 per week in 1999 and 58 per week in 2000 (up to mid- Sep). We believe that the increase could be due to a greater awareness among childcare centre managers since MCDS held a seminar for all childcare centres in Singapore early this year.
To date, there are 9 clinically diagnosed cases, all from the Cutie Kidz Playhouse. We have also been notified of 24 suspected HFMD cases in two other childcare centres. The centres are Tumbelina Educare Centre and Sweetlands Childcare and Development Centre.
The Ministry of the Environment (ENV) and Ministry of Health (MOH) officials are now working with the Ministry of Community Development and Sports (MCDS) to confirm the suspected cases.
Meanwhile, Cutie Kidz Playhouse will remain closed for at least 10 days and the place cleaned and sterilized. This is to cover the virus' incubation period of 3-5 days and ensure that no viruses linger beyond the incubation period.