Update on the hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak

09 Apr 2006

Question No:  401  

Question

Name of the Person: Mdm Halimah Yacob, Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC

To ask the Minister for Health whether he will give an update on the hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak and what measures are being taken to prevent infection among children in schools, kindergartens and childcare centres

Question No:  403  

Name of the Person: Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan, MP for Hong Kar GRC

To ask the Minister for Health (a) how many cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) have been reported over the last six months; (b) if there is any evidence or cause for worry that we may be affected by the enterovirus-71 strain; (c) what precautions has his Ministry, together with other relevant Ministries, taken to prevent the spread of HFMD; and (d) what advice will the Ministry give to parents of young children regarding the HFMD.

Question No:  406  

Name of the Person: Dr Lily Neo, MP for Jalan Besar GRC

To ask the Minister for Health how dangerous is the resurgence of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) enterovirus-71 strain and what are the steps taken by the Ministry to prevent death from this HFMD virus.

Reply

Reply From MOH

Let me now give an update on the current situation. This year, EV71 is again the predominant strain. In the first 13 weeks of this year, 3,680 cases were reported, which is lower than the 3,901 cases for the corresponding period last year. The weekly average this year has been 283 cases which is the usual range for this disease. Although the weekly average this year is lower when compared to last year, there was a surge of cases in the week ending March 25 when 785 cases were reported. For the week ending April 1, the number of cases reported has come down to 721. Most years, including last year, there is a surge of cases between the months of March and June. Most infections as expected were mild, self limiting, and did not require hospitalization. Sixty-nine children did require hospitalization at KKH and NUH but none of them developed severe complications. 

We cannot eradicate HFMD but we can slow its spread. The risk of infection spreading can be lowered by good hygiene practices. The single most important measure is hand washing. Although it is the common practice to ask affected children to be excluded from a group setting like a kindergarten or childcare centre, this measure may not prevent additional cases from occurring, because the virus is excreted by well children for weeks after they have recovered from the HFMD. That is why washing hands is the most important measure in prevention. We have worked closely with MCYS and MOE in educating all childcare, kindergarten and preschool operators on hygiene measures. My Ministry has also alerted doctors to be vigilant for complications from HFMD as the predominant strain this year is the EV71 strain. 

Parents and caregivers can play their part too by encouraging good hygiene in children, through proper hand washing. They should also consult a doctor early if their child is unwell. In addition, they must ensure that the child with HFMD rests at home.