The normally mild childhood infection has hit more than 17,000 children this year, and most recovered after resting for a week and drinking plenty of fluids.

But over the weekend, Shahril's condition took a turn for the worse, said his 34-year-old mother Roslinda Mohamad Ali.

Last Saturday night, he could not sleep and started throwing tantrums. Early the next day, which was also his birthday, he fainted twice, including once as his family was rushing him to hospital. He slipped into a coma and died that afternoon.

Health officials have not officially concluded that HFMD caused his death. His stepfather Mohamed Afandi Ahwan said he was told that it would take many months for the autopsy findings to be released.

The results will determine if Shahril is the second person to die of the disease since 2001. Seven children died in the 2000 to 2001 outbreak. Most of the victims who died suffered from a severe form of HFMD caused by a virus called EV71.

The only other death within the last seven years came four months ago, when the disease claimed the life of a three-year-old boy during an HFMD outbreak.

Shahril first developed fever and red spots on his cheeks in the first week of last month, according to his family. Two general practitioners passed off his symptoms as common ailments. One said he might be suffering from a food allergy, and he was given a round of antibiotics, painkillers and cream for rash.

The former pupil of Jurong West Primary School appeared to recover and even went on a two-day school trip to Malacca. But after he got back, his fever returned and he developed rash on his palms. At one point, his body temperature hit 40 deg C, said Mr Afandi, 38.

Shahril was diagnosed with HFMD and given paracetamol, which is meant to relieve fever and headaches, after seeing a doctor at Jurong Polyclinic on Nov 23.

Mr Afandi said the family has not come to terms with Shahril's death. 'I'm angry but I'm not sure with who...But whoever's fault it may be, it won't change the fact that we have lost (Shahril).'

tansle@sph.com.sg