HFMD a primary concern

ALTHOUGH children in childcare centres and kindergartens are vulnerable to outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), primary school pupils are victims too.

Recent data from the Ministry of Health reveals that the number of sufferers in the seven- to 12-year-old age range is on the rise.


A record high number of HFMD cases has surfaced this year, with 1,590 reported in the week ended April 28. Of this number, 18% were in that age group. In the four weeks before that, sufferers in that group accounted for 12% to 15% of cases each week.

HFMD is a viral infection spread by contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. Symptoms include fever, a sore throat and blisters on the tongue, palms and soles.

To curb the spread of infectious diseases like HFMD and flu, a spokesman for the Health Ministry said public health officers were sent to primary schools to monitor hygiene standards.

“Keeping high standards of personal hygiene is vital in reducing the risk of contracting or spreading the infection,” the spokesman added.

However, the officers do not carry out spot checks, which are conducted at preschool and private enrichment centres.

While Member of Parliament for Sengkang West GRC Lam Pin Min supports the checks, which were recently enhanced to include places like tuition centres and language schools, he noted that primary schools should be monitored as well.

Principals of primary schools also support any initiative to keep a tighter lid on the HFMD problem.

“I’m definitely for it,” said Jenny Yeo, principal of South View Primary School.

“We’ll be more vigilant and remind teachers to be alert.”

The school currently asks pupils to notify teachers of any sores or ulcers but does not take body temperature. — The Straits Times / Asia News Network