SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Thursday said he is worried about the different strains of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). He is especially concerned about the EV71 strain.

"With EV71, children can die if it is not detected early. So I think we should take this seriously," he said.

But whichever HFMD strain it may be, Mr Khaw said his ministry is taking the situation seriously and is watching developments closely.

Kindergartens and nursery schools have been taking precautions, with teachers conducting regular checks on their students to see if they are showing symptoms of the disease.

As part of the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education, any pupil who shows symptoms will be isolated from others while waiting to be sent home.

HFMD is a common childhood disease spread through direct contact with body fluids or excretions such as saliva or faeces.

Young children, particularly those aged less than five years, are the most susceptible. - CNA/ac