HFMD

Oh my, it's really scary to hear about how the no. of cases of HFMD in China has reached 22,240, with the death toll rising to 28 (as of 8th May 2008)! The EV71 virus seemed to be more 'deadly' than before.

Sigh, this is yet another hygiene-related disease, which has become so widespread that it's scary... so far, a number of my friends' kids who have started going to Childcare have gotten it, at any one point in time.. scary. Though it's something common in S'pore, I can't help but still feel worried for Ariel next time she goes to school in Singapore.

Maybe it's time MOH steps up on hygiene practices too, especially in public places where kids can play! Over here in the U.S. we've noticed that many Kids' indoor playgrounds - such as the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), the Oregon Coast Aquarium (where there's a touch-pool) or even the play area in the clinic - are loaded with hand sanitizers and hand-washing areas. for kids to wash their hands after play.

Personally, i think these are excellent hygiene practices in kids' play areas, and somehow, if i remember correctly, i don't seem to see things like that in S'pore. Sometimes, we even had to walk a mile to the public toilet just for Ariel to wash her hands after playing.