ANOTHER 702 new cases of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have emerged, with many carrying the potentially deadly strain.

The latest data from the Health Ministry showed that the cases were reported in the week ending March 29, bringing the total number of cases for the first 13 weeks of this year to 4,423. Of these, 60 per cent of the victims were children under five years old.

Last year, Singapore had 20,005 cases, the highest annual figure so far.

The Ministry of Health said a potentially deadly strain of HFMD, called Enterovirus 71 (EV71), was found in more patients. One-fifth (21 per cent) of the virus samples from patients showed the presence of EV71.

This strain has been known to cause infections in the brain, heart and lungs. An outbreak in 2000 and 2001 saw this strain of the virus killing seven in Singapore and over 70 in Asia.

However, a statement from MOH on Tuesday said that the majority of the 4,423 cases so far were mild infections. There were only 57 children who had to be hospitalised.

To limit the outbreak, MOH, together with the Education Ministry and the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, have alerted all primary schools, kindergartens and childcare centres to step up checks for sick children and to tighten hygiene measures.

Doctors have been warned to be more alert in looking out for children showing symptoms of the disease.