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SINGAPORE : The number of children who came down with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) jumped 12% last week ending April 12 to hit 1,000 cases, up from 892 cases in the previous week.
This brings the total number of HFMD cases reported to the Ministry of Health (MOH) from January to 6,315.
13 kids or 1.3% of the infected children had to be hospitalised last week, mainly because they were not eating well.
MOH said there is a higher circulation of the Enterovirus 71 (EV71). So far, 16% of the samples tested positive for EV71 virus this year.
The ministry added that HFMD is endemic in Singapore and there will be seasonal outbreaks. The continued rise in reported cases is expected as part of the epidemic uptrend.
MOH said increased public awareness is another reason why more cases are reported now.
HFMD tends to be a self-limiting childhood disease. To minimise the risk of HFMD, the ministry said it is crucial for children to adopt good hygiene practices.
Parents should consult a doctor early if their child has a fever, mouth ulcers and rashes on the palms, soles or buttocks. Children with HFMD should also stay at home until all the blisters have dried up.
During this period, contact with other children should be avoided until the child recovers. The child should not be brought to any public or crowded places.
At home, proper hygiene should also be practised so as to prevent other family members from getting infected. - CNA /ls
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