Hand, foot & mouth update from Ministry of Health

As of July 2, 2008, the Ministry of Health in Singapore has reported a total of 15,776 casesof hand, foot & mouth. Since the end of May the number of cases reported each week has been decreasing. Of these, none had serious complications and none were fatal. As of June 3, 2008, 32% of cases tested this year in the Ministry’s sentinel surveillance system were positive for EV71. The Ministry is working closely with preschools and child-care centers to help limit the spread of HFMD and stresses the importance of good personal and environmental hygiene, especially for children.