The Department of Health has confirmed another case of enterovirus-71 infection, bringing this year's total to six.

A two-year-old boy developed a rash over his arms, legs and mouth on May 9. He has since recovered and was not hospitalised.

The department said the case was related to an earlier confirmed case in the same creche with a hand-foot-mouth-disease outbreak.

None of the children infected with the disease in the outbreak developed complications and they have all recovered. Some more specimens from the outbreak are being tested at the Public Health Laboratory Centre and results are pending.

There was one confirmed EV-71 case last year and five in 2002.

The department called on people to maintain personal hygiene to prevent enterovirus infections.

They should:

* wash their hands with soap before eating, and after going to the toilet and changing nappies;

* cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;

* maintain good ventilation;

* clean thoroughly toys or appliances contaminated by nasal or oral secretions;

* seek medical advice if their children develop symptoms of hand-foot-mouth disease; and,

* stay home and avoid contacting others until the illness has passed.

For more information, click here or call the department's health education hotline 2833 0111.