CASES OF ENTEROVIRUS-71 INFECTION

Dr Lily Neo asked the Minister for Health (a) whether there are cases of Enterovirus-71 infection in Singapore at the moment; (b) whether his Ministry will make laboratory tests available to doctors for early diagnosis of the disease; and (c) whether there are suitable quarantine wards for affected patients if the need arises.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: Enterovirus infections, including enterovirus type 71 (EV 71) occur worldwide, including Singapore. Asymptomatic infections are common. EV 71 is frequently associated with hand, foot and mouth disease, which is usually self-limiting. It affects mainly children and is characterised by rapid onset of fever and sore throat. Small, superficial ulcers develop in the mouth, followed by rashes on the hands and feet. There is no specific treatment. Occasionally, serious complications like inflammation of the brain and heart muscles can occur.

(a) In Singapore, surveillance of enteroviruses has not shown any unusual pattern of EV 71 infection. So far this year, there is no confirmed case of EV 71 infection in Singapore.

(b) In view of the recent outbreak of EV 71 infection in Taiwan, the Ministry of Health has taken the necessary action to strengthen surveillance of EV 71 infection and has advised all medical practitioners to be vigilant for possible cases of EV 71 infection, especially those who have travelled to Taiwan recently. Laboratory tests are available to doctors for diagnosis of the disease. It takes at least one week to confirm an enterovirus and between 4 and 8 weeks to determine the strain of the virus. The time taken depends on the amount of virus present in the specimen collected.

(c) Hospital staff have been alerted and advised on the handling of patients and to observe proper infection control practices. Isolation wards for affected patients will be set up at KKH and NUH, the two hospitals with paediatric care facilities, should the need arise.

The Ministry of Health is working closely with the Ministry of the Environment to monitor the incidence of EV 71 infection in Singapore.