An outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) has affected some 1,246 children in Singapore in the week ending May 10, which is 210 cases fewer than the week before, the Health Ministry said on Monday.

The total number of cases in Singapore this year as at 3pm local time (GMT 0700) on Monday was 11,896. No one has died, the ministry said.

Currently six childcare centers and pre-schools are closed by order of the Health Ministry, down from 17 last week. And other 24 centers have been advised to consider voluntary closure, down from 48 last week.

According to the Health Ministry, closing a center is vital in stopping the transmission of the virus and cleaning premises thoroughly.

HFMD is caused by intestinal viruses. The most common strains are the Coxsackie virus and Enterovirus 71. Adults may get the illness, but children under five are most susceptible. There is no vaccine for HFMD.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2008)