SINGAPORE: The Health Ministry (MOH) said the number of reported cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) on Friday – as of 3pm – is 78. This is comparatively lower that the numbers reported earlier this week.

A total of 11 childcare centres and preschools have been ordered to close for 10 days, and another 25 centres have been advised to shut down as well.

Children are more likely to contract HFMD, but adults too are at risk of getting the disease although that is more rare.

Associate Professor Leo Yee Sin, Head of Department of Infectious Diseases, Communicable Disease Centre, said: "It is very rare to see hand, foot and mouth disease in adults. This is because of the immunity that builds up over time.

"In other words, by the time people reach adulthood, they would already have come across the hand, foot and mouth viruses and built up their own immunity."

Many parents do realise that they may contract HFMD if their children get it.

One said: "It's a contagious disease so it might spread to us. We are not taking any precautions... (we're) not sure how it's going to spread."

"Actually, I'm not so worried about it because if it happens, it happens. I'm not worried because of all the precautions I take," another parent said.

Experts have described the severity of HFMD as being far greater in children than it is in adults. Nonetheless, the experience of having blistering ulcers in throats and mouths may be unbearable for some grown-ups.

"For non-immune adults, they would certainly be at risk when they come into contact with another person – be it their child or another human being who is having an acute illness and is shedding the virus. Transmission could be due to person-to-person close contact or even through an oral route," said Prof Leo.

Doctors recommend that parents try to minimise contact with any sick children.


- CNA/so