Two more schools close due to HMFD

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) has hit another high causing two more schools to close.

The Japanese Kindergarten in West Coast and the Metropolitan YMCA Child Care & Development Centre have been closed since Mar 14, 2012, and will remain closed till Mar 23, 2012.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) says childcare centres and kindergartens with more than 16 HFMD cases or an attack rate greater than 23 per cent, and a transmission period of more than 24 days will be mandatorily closed for 10 days.

Currently, there are four schools closed, and five childcare centres and two kindergartens on MOH's watchlist.

Schools with more than 10 HFMD cases or an attack rate greater than 13 per cent, and a transmission period of more than 16 days are on MOH's watchlist.

Two schools - Pat's Schoolhouse in Meyer Road and Little Footies in Kensington Park - will reopen on Mar 18, 2012, after the school holidays are over.

Above the 780-a-week mark is considered the onset of an epidemic.

Altogether, MOH figures show that 6,710 people have fallen sick since the start of this year, about three times more compared to the 2,169 cases in the same period last year.

HMFD is a viral infection that affects mostly children. Its symptoms include fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and rash or blisters on the palms and soles.

There is no specific treatment besides relief of symptoms and no vaccine.

ORIGINAL SOURCE
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