Things are looking grim in the realm of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreaks in Singapore. The number of infected cases this year have reached 18,241 — way higher than the median of 8,193 over the past five years for the same period of time. This has only been surpassed by the epidemic in 2012, where there were 21,102 cases in the first few months.
Part of the reason for the current situation is irresponsible parents, who bring their sick children to childcare centres and refuse to take them home, according to The Straits Times.
Symptoms of HFMD include fever, mouth and tongue ulcers, blisters on the hands, feet and butt, poor appetite and feelings of lethargy. It’s rare to come across serious complications, but damage to the brain, lungs and heart can occur. The disease is spread by direct contact through nasal discharge, saliva, faeces and fluid from the rash of an infected person, and young children under five are the most vulnerable (although adults can contract severe HFMD, too).
Take precaution by washing your hands frequently wth soap, not sharing utensils or towels with others, and disinfecting toys and appliances regularly.
