Hand-Foot-Mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection caused by viruses from the Enterovirus family. The most common virus in this family causing HFMD is the Coxsackie A16 virus but recently, other strains, including the EV71 virus have emerged in cases picked up in Singapore. This is of some concern because the EV71 virus has been associated with HFMD with severe complications and death.
Of the 2964 cases notified in 2006, about 80% occurred in children aged less than 6 years. Amongst them, more than half were in the age group 3 - 6 years attending child care centre, kindergarten or other pre-school.
Currently this disease is under serious precaution in Singapore daycare and school. Every morning when kids go to school, the body temperature and hand/foot/mouth need to be screened.
Of the 2964 cases notified in 2006, about 80% occurred in children aged less than 6 years. Amongst them, more than half were in the age group 3 - 6 years attending child care centre, kindergarten or other pre-school.
Currently this disease is under serious precaution in Singapore daycare and school. Every morning when kids go to school, the body temperature and hand/foot/mouth need to be screened.
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