I received a phonecall from Misha’s form teacher today informing me of some tiny spots on her palms & feet. Her temperature was measured at 37.4 deg c so that was still alright. When I arrived some time in the afternoon, she was already being isolated in the principal’s office.

Just a couple of weeks back, her centre had one reported case of chickenpox, but they had taken the necessary measures to contain the virus. I was advised to bring Misha to the doctor for confirmation as to whether this is a case of HFMD or chickenpox. We went to see the GP, but she couldn’t confirm the case and referred Misha to a specialist. I later made an appointment at 7.15pm at the Children’s Centre since the clinic reopens after 6.30pm on weekdays.

Once again, the doctor’s diagnosis was not conclusive since the spots on her feet are mostly clutered at her toes (which is rarely so for HFMD, whose blisters are mostly clustered on the sole of the foot). She did mention that one tiny dot on her palm do resemble a blister in the case of HFMD, but it could also be something else. When the doctor checked on her mouth, there was no trace of any ulcers (phew). I was then asked to monitor her situation for the next three days, and if her condition worsen tomorrow, I should return back to the clinic for re-assessment. So we shall see…

In my earlier post, I did mentioned that Misha’s appetite had improved slightly, but for the last two days she was back to refusing any food (and now even milk feed). I am not sure if it is due to a her being unwell, or discomfort (or it could be teething too). She kept on whining and crying whenever we attempt to give her food/milk/water (I’m used to this by now).

Here’s some info on HFMD: http://www.hpb.gov.sg/health_articles/hfmd/

From the symptoms checklist,

  • fever – nil so far
  • sore throat – for past days her voice has been quite course, but this could be due to excessive coughing (she just recovered from cough).
  • ulcers in the throat, mouth and tongue – nil so far
  • headache – erm, I don’t know. probably not.
  • a rash with vesicles (small blisters, 3-7 mm) on hands, feet and diaper area. The vesicles are typically on the palm side of the hands the sole side of the feet and very characteristic in appearance – yes to these (except the diaper area)
  • loss of appetite – yes definitely



In the news today (April 1st, 2008): 702 more HFMD cases reported

To Misha: Hope this is just false alarm, okay? Mummy and Daddy got plans this weekend tau. Take care, and eat well!