Health Ministry concerned about prevalence of HFMD's EV71 strain
By Chio Su-Mei, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 26 April 2008 1921 hrs

	Photos  of

SINGPAORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan expressed concern about the prevalence of the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) strain of the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD).

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a beauty and healthcare fair on Saturday, Mr Khaw noted the EV71 virus had claimed fatalities in some neighbouring countries in recent years.

This is why the Ministry of Health (MOH) has instituted a tighter assessment criteria for recommending or mandating the closure of affected pre-schools and childcare centres.

Mr Khaw said: "This year, that particular strain seems quite dominant - about 20 per cent of patients have EV71. So, I'm more worried because EV71 can be nasty. Because of EV71, I decided to tighten up (the assessment criteria this year)."

The MOH said the number of reported cases of HFMD on Friday - as of 3pm – is 78. 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.

For more information on HFMD, please see the FAQs on MOH's website. - CNA/vm