Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease is a Health Problem in Singapore

The Health Ministry has reported that the weekly total of reported cases of hand-foot-mouth disease was reaching the highest level since June 2016. For the week ending 10 March, the number of infected persons peaked at 1,105 cases but then decreased slightly in the following week to reach 946 cases.

Advice

Health authorities are “strongly urging” parents not to bring their children to school or any other crowded public places if their children are exhibiting symptoms. The risk of exposure will vary from place to place. Small children are most susceptible to infection with this virus. Travellers who are travelling with small children can decrease the risk of exposure to hand-foot-mouth disease virus by washing hands frequently and by maintaining careful personal hygiene.