South Africa's Department of Health (DoH) is currently addressing an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. On Tuesday, the department urged residents to remain calm while staying vigilant against the spread of the disease.
The DoH has been collaborating closely with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases to monitor the situation and implement measures to contain the outbreak. Since the initial identification of six cases between February 6 and 10, the number of confirmed HFMD cases in the province has risen to 168, predominantly around the Durban area.
\"There is no need for the public to panic because the outbreak remains under control and at the current moment there is no serious public health threat detected,\" stated the DoH. However, they emphasized the importance of vigilance, especially among parents and caregivers, to recognize common symptoms in children. These symptoms include fever, sore throat, tiredness, loss of appetite, and the appearance of small blisters inside the mouth, on the sides of the tongue, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet.
The DoH highlighted that HFMD is a common viral infection primarily affecting children under the age of 10. While it is uncommon in adults, individuals with weakened immune systems may be susceptible to infection. Typically, HFMD is a self-limiting illness that resolves within seven to ten days without the need for medication. However, some cases may require hospitalization due to complications.
To prevent further transmission, the department urged parents to keep symptomatic children at home until they recover. Emphasizing the role of hygiene in controlling the spread of the disease, the DoH recommended regular hand-washing, covering the mouth when coughing, cleaning surfaces frequently, and avoiding the sharing of eating utensils and stationery. Educators and parents are encouraged to promote these good hygiene habits both at home and in school environments.
HFMD is caused by enteroviruses and typically occurs in small outbreaks in settings such as schools, creches, and daycare centers, especially during the summer and autumn months. The disease spreads through direct contact, droplets from the mouth or nose of an infected person, and contaminated objects or feces.
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South African health department calls for calm amid HFMD outbreak
cgtn.com
