Theme: Children's Health

Hand Foot & Mouth disease Outbreak
The recent epidemic of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) has drawn concerns from the public and governments in Singapore and several Asian countries. In May this year, the virus hit China hard with more than 25,000 reported cases among children and 43 confirmed deaths. More than 6,000 HFMD cases were reported in Singapore in April and two children were hospitalised for encephalitis.

Books

1. Enterovirus Infection in Singapore: with Particular Reference to the EV71 Outbreak in 2000
Editors: Lin, R.V.T.P. and Goh, K.T.
Singapore : Institute of Environmental Epidemiology, 2002
Call Number: RSING 616.0194 ENT
Available at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library and other NLB libraries
Please check the availability of the materials at: http://vistaweb.nlb.gov.sg

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a member of the family Picornaviridae, and belongs to the genus Enterovirus (human enterovirus A). It is known to be an important agent of HFMD. Although usually a mild childhood disease, it is associated with fatalities due to complications related to the heart and nervous system.

In the year 2000, the HFMD epidemic occurred in Singapore resulting in eight deaths. HFMD became legally notifiable on 1 October 2000. This report documents and gives a vivid account of the EV71 infection during the outbreak, including clinical and laboratory findings, risk factors predictive of fatal cases and the lessons learnt from the event.

2. Enteroviruses and Reoviruses
Author: Cohen, Jeffrey
In Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
Editors: Kasper, Dennis, et al.
London : McGraw-Hill, 2005
Call Number: R 616 HAR
Available at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library

HFMD is a mild childhood illness caused by a virus. The most common virus is the Coxsackievirus A16, but other Enteroviruses such as other strains of Coxsackievirus A and Enterovirus 71 (EV-71) can also cause HFMD. It is easily spread through contact with nose and throat discharges, fluids from blisters or stools of an infected person. Rare but severe complications with adverse outcomes including deaths have been seen in EV-71 HFMD epidemics.

Although clinicians and students heavily use this bestselling medical textbook, anyone who wishes to read about the cardinal signs and manifestations of enteroviruses and the development of the disease caused by the virus will find the reader-friendly text design useful and informative. The information on Enteroviruses and Reoviruses can be found on Chapter 175, page 1143.

See also:

If you are looking for practical tips on when it is safe to treat your child at home, no-nonsense ways of preventing spoiled children or picky eaters, dealing with common childhood illnesses and discipline techniques, this book, "A Guide To Getting The Best Health Care For Your Child" by Roy Benaroch (Call Number R 618.92 BEN) is useful.

The outbreak of deadly diseases has captured the attention of people throughout the world. If you are interested to read more on this subject, the following books may interest you.

"Understanding New, Resurgent, and Resistant Diseases: How Man and Globalization Create and Spread Illness" by Kurt Link (Call Number R 362.1969 LIN) gives a brief history of human diseases and explains why some diseases are not preventable by the current medical technology and also discusses the impact of animal diseases on humans.

Database Articles

1. Neurodevelopment and Cognition in Children after Enterovirus 71 Infection
Authors: Chang, Luan-Yin, et al.
Source: The New England Journal of Medicine. Mar 22, 2007. 356(12) pg. 1226

In the recent years of HFMD outbreaks, the Enterovirus 71 was an important cause of viral encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), especially in Asia. The long-term effects of this viral infection on the neurodevelopment and cognitive function of the infected child is the subject of this study conducted at the hospitals in Taiwan.

Retrieved from the Proquest 5000 International database. Available at National Library Board libraries and from home.

2. Rockeby Ties Up with NUS to Develop HFMD Test Kit
Author: Chen, Huifen
Source: Business Times, 5 April 2008

The initial symptom of HFMD is fever. However, it is also a symptom of dengue and other viral infections. Since HFMD is a common childhood disease, a diagnostics kit will be useful. This joint project between homegrown biotech firm, Rockeby and the National University of Singapore is focused on developing the world's first test kit for HFMD. Another Singapore firm, SingVax is working on a vaccine for EV 71.

Retrieved from the Factiva.com database. Available at National Library Board libraries.

New Arrival

Take a sneak peak at the new books at our libraries.

1. The Secret History of the War on Cancer
Author: Davis, Devra
New York: Basic Books, 2007
Call Number: R 362.19699400973 DAV

Cancer has become a scourge of our time with its patients battling against drugs and radiation. Many cancer-causing agents including tobacco, radiation and the polluted environment surround us. The fight against cancer has been to find, treat and cure the disease. But this is often not the case.

Devra Davis has spent her entire career researching, documenting and giving advice on cancer. She gives a compelling and never-before-revealed story of the war on the disease and argues that the research community fighting against cancer has neglected the consideration of many risk factors and how major public health efforts have been distorted due to self-interest and private gain.

Available at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library and other NLB libraries
Please check the availability of the materials at: http://vistaweb.nlb.gov.sg

2. Skin in the Game: How Putting Yourself First Today will Revolutionize Health Care Tomorrow
Authors: Hammergren, John and Harkins, Phil
Hoboken, N.J: J. Wiley, 2008
Call Number: R 362.1 HAM

There are many concerns about health care systems in the United States, from receiving health services, quality of care, and efficiency to skyrocketing costs. John Hammergren is the CEO of McKesson Corporation, the oldest and largest health care organisation in American. In this book, he gives a history of the evolution of the health care system in the US and shows how a streamlined system allows doctors to provide patient-centred care.

The authors give an insight to the process of health care delivery and show how innovation can change the way care is given to consumers. There are also practical tips on locating the top doctors with the best practice techniques and treatment outcomes. This book is a must-read for anyone concerned about the health care system and is an important resource for anyone studying about health care systems.

Available at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library and other NLB libraries
Please check the availability of the materials at: http://vistaweb.nlb.gov.sg

Written by Sara Pek
Senior Librarian
National Library

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