3 October 2000

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JOINT PRESS RELEASE
BY MINISTRY OF HEALTH
MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, AND
MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SPORTS

HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE: UPDATES

       There are currently 27 clinically suspected HFMD cases admitted to KKH and NUH. All the cases are mild and in stable condition. The condition of the 5-year old boy in intensive care in KKH is stable. The 1 year-old child who was in intensive care yesterday has since been transferred to a normal ward.

       Of the 19 cases reported to be in hospital yesterday, 7 have been discharged. 15 new cases were admitted in KKH and NUH.

       Since HFMD was made legally notifiable with effect from 1 Oct 2000, ENV has been notified of 147 clinically diagnosed HFMD cases with onset from 1 Oct. These figures refer to island-wide cases. The figures given earlier referred only to the cluster group cases from kindergartens and childcare centres. This being the case, there is no comparison between the two figures.

       The number of people who called the ministries' hotlines totalled 906. Most of the callers wanted to know when the kindergartens and other centres providing childcare services would be opened, and HFMD-related questions.

       We would like to remind parents to keep their children away from crowded places. They should consult a doctor if their children have any of the following symptoms: fever lasting 2 - 3 days, sore throat and runny nose, mouth ulcers, rash (usually blister-like) over hands, feet and diaper areas, vomiting and diarrhoea, tiredness and weakness.

       Parents are advised to be alert to any worsening of their child's condition for example refusal to eat or drink, persistent vomiting and drowsiness. If any of these are present, parents are advised to bring the child to the A&E Departments of KKH and NUH immediately.

       Those who need any information can access ENV's/MOH's websites or call the hotlines as follows:

Ministry of the Environment:

67319184 / 67319761

ENV Hotlines:

1800-7319222
1800-4532222

Ministry of Health :

63259220
1800 - 2254122

Ministry of Community Development and Sports :

1800-2580677

(For enquiries on childcare centres)

Ministry of Education :

68722220
68796115

ENV's website

http://www.gov.sg/env/info/press/qed

MOH's website

http://www.gov.sg/moh

ISSUED ON: 3 OCT 2000

News Release No. 114/2000