Health Ministry tightens policy as number of HFMD cases rises
By Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 22 April 2008 2109 hrs

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SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health (MOH) has ordered two pre-schools and five childcare centres to close as it tightens its policy on hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

The latest figures showed that there has been a 25-per-cent jump in the number of HFMD cases over the previous week.

There were 1,245 cases in the week ending 19 April, and 1,000 cases in the week before. In total, the number of notified HFMD cases since January this year stands at 7,560.

The ministry is now lowering the threshold for mandatory closure of childcare centres.

Previously, childcare centres that report 13 cases in 15 days would be assessed by MOH to see if they have to close. But now, they will be ordered to close once they hit the trigger level.

Seven pre-schools and six childcare centres have also been advised to close voluntarily.

MOH said such move will help stop the spread of the HFMD virus. The centres need to clean their premises thoroughly during closure.

According to the ministry, the seven-year-old girl who was hospitalised for inflammation of the brain last week, after a severe case of HFMD, is recovering. - CNA/ac