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SINGAPORE: Another childcare centre has been added to the Health Ministry's watchlist for cases of Hand, Food and Mouth disease (HFMD). This brings the total number to five so far this week.
The affected childcare centre is Learning Vision@Punggol Field Walk, located at Blk 128 D.
The Health Ministry says the centre has an active cluster of prolonged transmission of HFMD. This means the centre has had more than 10 cases over 16 days.
It has not been ordered to close as shutdowns are only required when the centre has more than 16 cases for more than 24 days.
Extra steps have been taken to prevent further outbreaks in other Learning Vision childcare centres.
Ms Sally May Tan, the vice-president of Marketing and Communications for Knowledge Universe - the parent company for Learning Vision's childcare centres - said: "During HFMD outbreak season, apart from what we do normally, we would take extra precautions in terms of linking up and communicating with the parents.
"Really, they should also help by making sure that they do their own health checks with their children at home - not just the children from the centre but also older children as well.
"We also encourage parents to not bring their children to the centre if the children are sick....most of the parents have been very cooperative in that respect."
The Health Ministry is also monitoring the situation at four other centres, whose names are listed on its website.
The total number of cases so far this year stands at over 20,000 compared to over 11,000 during the same period last year.
The Health Ministry says that while HFMD is endemic in Singapore and periodic outbreaks can be expected, it is important to take early control measures to prevent the escalation of cases.
The need to do so is even higher when there is an increase in the circulation of EV71 among patients with HFMD.
The Healthy Ministry says it has stepped up infection control measures and will continue to monitor the situation closely to assess the impact of the tightened control measures.
Parents are urged to consult a doctor early if their child has HFMD symptoms.
Three pre-school centres that have been asked to close for 10 days are expected to resume operations next week.
They are Star Learners @ Sembawang, PCF Kampong Chai Chee and Glory Kindergarten in Bukit Batok.
The temporary closure is aimed at breaking the chain of transmission.
There have been no deaths due to HFMD this year.
- CNA/ir
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