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HEALTH officials are warning parents about a rise in the number of cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) caused by a potentially deadly strain of virus.
The strain, called Enterovirus 71 (EV71), was found in a 'higher' number of patients between mid-February and last Saturday, according to the Ministry of Health.
Officials, though, did not say how many people have come down with EV71, which can lead to infections in the brain, heart, and lungs.
A total of 3,721 people have contracted HFMD since the start of the year. A Health Ministry spokesman said a sample study had revealed that about 20 per cent of patients with the ailment tested positive for EV71.
During an outbreak in 2000-2001, the same strain killed more than 70 children in Asia, including seven in Singapore.
While none have died this year, health officials are still on the alert. Family physicians have been told to check for the virus and schools are keeping close tabs on young children, especially those under five who are most susceptible to the disease.
HFMD is a common childhood ailment and actually comes from over 60 different strains of viruses. These include Coxsackie A16, the milder strain that is more common in Singapore.
It causes ulcers, rashes and blisters and can infect adults.
The Health Ministry spokesman said that the spread of EV71 is 'above the normal range' compared with past years and that the ministry would consider closing pre-schools if the situation got worse.
The increase in infections coincides with the reopening of schools after the week-long March break.
During the 2001 outbreak, all kindergartens and childcare centres were closed for 12 days, affecting about 140,000 children.
A check by The Straits Times found that 10 people went to the National University Hospital between mid-February and Wednesday with HFMD.
A hospital spokesman said that out of the 10, only one patient was warded.
There were 14 cases treated at the KK Women's and Children's Hospital this month and the last - 10 of which were caused by the EV71 strain.
But the hospital would not disclose how many of the patients were warded.
Symptoms of infection include a fever lasting two or three days; sore throat; blister-like rashes on the hands, feet and bottom; mouth ulcers, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The virus is spread through contact with blister fluid, saliva, faeces, items used by an infected person and occasionally through the air.
juditht@sph.com.sg
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