SINGAPORE: As the number of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases is rising in Singapore, several preschools and indoor playgrounds are increasing their cleaning measures accordingly.The number of HFMD cases has reached its peak this year during the week of May 19 to 25, averaging 50 cases per day, according to statistics from the Health Ministry.
Reportedly, there is an increase from 29 cases during the same period last year. Observers suggest that the recent increase in HFMD cases may be due to the hot and rainy weather.
HFMD (Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease) is a generally mild illness that commonly affects children, especially those under 5 years old. This is a virus that spreads through contact with the saliva, nasal discharge, rash fluid, or even feces of an infected person. It is a communicable disease that can also spread through contaminated surfaces or objects.
Precautions Taken By Preschools
The staff are disinfecting and wiping down the surfaces more frequently now. Also, Temperature checks were reintroduced two weeks ago. The floors are vacuumed and mopped multiple times a day. Surfaces and toys are also disinfected regularly while certain areas are closed off each week for deeper cleaning.
The general manager of Yooland, Mr Bryan Bai said, “We also conduct regular staff training to tell them about HFMD, what the symptoms are going to be like, so they can identify the kids who may be infected with HFMD very easily. We also monitor the whole playground very closely. The management does regular checkups … to see the cleanliness of the whole playground.”
He also mentioned that they take feedback from parents and take appropriate actions based on it. So far, it has been notified of just one HFMD case this year.
Safeguarding Against HFMD
The Preschool chain EtonHouse is closely paying attention to the situation. Keeping aside the daily sanitizing and conducting regular health checks on its 9,000 people, they are training its staff how to deal a HFMD case along with appropriate actions.
The affected class eats their meals separately and only return to school when they have a doctor’s letter stating that they are clear of the virus, after which the class will “reintegrate” with the rest of the school, said Mr Ng.
The warmer temperatures and rainy weather could have contributed to the rise in cases, he noted. “The hand, foot, and mouth disease is known to increase when there are changes in the temperature as well as in the humidity,” he added.
Dr Muhaimin highlighted that following good hygiene, including the routine practice of hands, is important. Symptoms, which may vary among individuals, can include fever, sore throat, rash, headache, loss of appetite, and ulcers in the throat, mouth, and tongue. Some individuals may show no symptoms at all.
The illness is usually mild and resolves within about a week.
