In rare cases, the virus may give rise to severe complications and deaths. The reason is unknown. However, there has been no evidence to show that the virus has become more virulent. Symptomatic treatment with fever control is usually given. Ensure an adequate fluid intake because swallowing may be painful.
Extra fluid is needed when a fever is present.
Treatment with antibiotics is not effective. The Ministry of Health has alerted all hospitals and doctors in Singapore to look out for cases of this infection. These cases are to be notified to the Ministry of the Environment for epidemiological investigations. The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines for proper specimen collection in suspected cases for virus isolation to all hospitals and paediatricians. The Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Community Development and Sports have stepped up inspections on the health and hygiene standards of all childcare centres, nurseries and kindergartens.