Not too long ago, Singapore faced a significant outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). According to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, from September to October 2000, a total of 3,790 cases of HFMD were reported.
Fast forward to 2023, and the Ministry of Health in Singapore acknowledged that while severe HFMD cases had not been reported since 2019, HFMD continues to be a prevalent occurrence in the country. This is mainly because statistical data gathered from 2018 to 2022 revealed that the number of preschools with HFMD clusters varied from 352 to 1,073 for childcare centres and 34 to 152 for kindergartens. These numbers accounted for approximately 23% to 66% of all childcare centres and 11% to 37% of all kindergartens in Singapore.
These statistics emphasise the critical importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment, particularly in homes and childcare facilities.
Causes and Transmission of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
HFMD is a viral infection caused by the coxsackievirus or enterovirus. These viruses can be found in an infected person’s saliva, nasal secretions, blister fluid, and even egested waste.
It typically affects infants and children under the age of five due to relatively underdeveloped immune systems that leave them susceptible to the aforementioned viruses. However, adults, especially those that are immuno-compromised, can also get infected.
When infected with hand, foot, and mouth disease, it can bring about symptoms like fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet.
How Does a Person Get Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease spreads easily through various ways. These include close or direct contact with an infected person, contaminated surfaces and objects, or respiratory droplets expelled by an infected person.
It is usually contracted in high population density and close proximity environments such as homes and schools. Common areas in these places create opportunities for the virus spread more easily among individuals, especially if preventive measures are not followed consistently.
How to Prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
To prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease and maintain a healthy and hygienic environment, consider the following preventive measures:
- Practise Proper Hand Hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or consuming food. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Clean and Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces: The question of how to keep the house clean is a common question amongst many. Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and shared items, such as doorknobs, toys, and countertops, with disinfectants effective against viruses. If you are cleaning post-hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreaks, be sure not to forget to clean the toys too. There are also professional commercial cleaning services in Singapore that can provide thorough and efficient cleaning and disinfecting of childcare centres and schools.
- Observe Household Cleanliness: Regularly clean common areas in your home, including thorough sofa and carpet cleaning. Avoid sharing utensils, towels, and personal items. Disinfect rooms as often necessary as this can help reduce household germs and viruses.
Adopting these practices and implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of HFMD transmission and protect the health and well-being of your loved ones.
Protecting Health with Professional Cleaning Services
Preventing hand, foot, and mouth disease requires a combination of awareness and practical measures. Among the critical efforts to effectively curb the spread of the disease is maintaining a healthy and hygienic environment. One effective way to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection is by leveraging professional cleaning services.
Absolute Cleaning, a reputable cleaning service provider in Singapore, offers a range of services designed to promote cleanliness and reduce the risk of infection transmission. Our services include sofa cleaning, part-time house cleaner, commercial cleaning, and carpet cleaning.
Our professional team is equipped with the necessary knowledge and experience to handle different home cleaning requirements, addressing specific areas that are prone to harbouring germs and viruses. We also employ effective cleaning techniques and high-quality disinfectants to eliminate harmful pathogens.
With Absolute Cleaning, you won’t be compromising on cleanliness. Our expertise can help significantly reduce the risk of contamination, ensuring a healthy environment for you and your family. Choose our professional cleaning services to protect you and those around you.