The notifications received so far on the number of children below 5 years old with onset of illness on 3rd and 4th Oct are 170 and 155 respectively. These are children who were most likely been infected on 29 to 30 Sep, before the closure of the preschools. So far, the number with onset of illness on 5 Oct dropped to 91. While this is an encouraging sign because it showed that transmission had reduced since the closure of the pre-schools, the data also suggest that there is still transmission going on among this group of children despite the closure. Hospitalised cases as at 5.00pm on 9 Oct 00, numbered 9, compared to 33 on 4 Oct 00.
All cases are mild and in stable condition.
The Task Force, having evaluated all the data, is of the opinion that it is a bit premature to conclude that the outbreak has subsided fully. This will prevent cross infection and possible re-emergence of HFMD clusters. Also, it would be in the interest of the sick child to stay at home and rest. This is because when a sick child has a viral infection, the child's immune system will be weakened and a secondary infection can lead to complications. During the period of closure, childcare centres and kindergartens have taken more measures to further disinfect the centres.