Vigilance urged in keeping eye open for hand, foot and mouth disease

Western Bureau:

With the nation now in one of the windows associated with the emergence of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), health officials are urging parents, caregivers, and educators to remain alert and proactive, even in the absence of confirmed cases.

According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, HFMD generally occurs between March and June, and September and December, though it can occur at other times. It is a contagious viral infection which primarily affects infants and children under the age of five, although older children and adults are not immune to it.

Gerald Miller, health promotion and education officer for Westmoreland, said the current push is about prevention rather than response.

“We are sharing this information with the public now ... to (inform) our parents, caregivers and our teachers of the ... steps to safeguard any spreading of hand, foot and mouth [disease], if there are cases,” he said.

Miller emphasised the fact that although there are no reported cases in Westmoreland at this time, the health authorities are taking the issue seriously.

“We are just using this opportunity to be proactive,” he said.

CAUSE AND SYMPTOMS

HFMD is caused by enteroviruses, including the Coxsackievirus, and spreads easily through close contact. The virus can be transmitted through saliva, mucus, stool, and fluid from blisters. Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, and a general feeling of being unwell. Within one to two days, painful sores may develop in the mouth, along with a rash on the hands and feet that can sometimes extend to the knees, elbows, and buttocks.

Despite its alarming symptoms, the illness is usually mild. Most children recover within a week. However, complications can arise, particularly in very young children who may struggle to drink fluids due to painful mouth sores, increasing the risk of dehydration.

Health officials are therefore urging close monitoring, especially in early childhood institutions.

“So we are advising teachers to be on the lookout for this condition, and especially our early childhood institutions. We want them to pay keen attention to the children and to see if there is any evidence of things that are happening to the children that could suggest that they might have hand, foot and mouth [disease],” said Miller.

The ministry’s guidelines stress that any suspected case should be immediately separated from the general school population and sent home to limit transmission. Schools are also advised to intensify cleaning protocols, focusing on frequently touched surfaces such as desks, toys, door handles, and taps. These should be cleaned with soap and water and then disinfected using a diluted bleach solution.

AWARENESS URGED

Miller reiterated the importance of awareness across all groups interacting with children.

“So we want our parents and teachers and guardians to be on the lookout for this condition. We don’t want any of our children to end up having hand, foot and mouth [disease].”

He added that while younger children are most vulnerable, the disease is not limited to that group.

“It is contagious and it affects ... , infants and children under five years of age, and they are the ones who are more likely to catch it. But older children and adults can also get it, too.”

There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Its management focuses on relieving symptoms, particularly fever and pain, and ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Paracetamol is recommended for fever and discomfort, while aspirin should be avoided. Parents are also advised to steer clear of acidic drinks, such as orange juice, which may irritate mouth sores.

Medical attention should be sought if a child’s fever persists for more than 24 hours or if signs of dehydration appear. These include dry skin, dry lips or nostrils, weight loss, irritability, low energy, and reduced urination.

GOOD HYGIENE IMPORTANT

The ministry also highlights the importance of good hygiene practices in preventing the spread of the disease. Regular handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, or caring for a sick person, is critical. Avoiding close contact, such as sharing utensils or hugging infected individuals, is also strongly recommended.

As part of outbreak prevention measures, schools and daycare centres are encouraged to report all cases to their respective parish health departments. This allows for timely intervention and monitoring.

Miller also noted that this type of public education campaign is an imperative of the Health Promotion Unit.

“We are always looking at the epidemiological profile and try to use it to share information with the public, so as to stave off any outbreak or we [would] have lots of persons with the condition.”

He stressed that timing plays a key role in these efforts.

“It must also be noted that it can occur at any time, but these are the times that the Ministry of Health and Wellness have indicated on managing hand, foot and mouth disease outbreaks in educational institutions.”

Ultimately, the goal is to stay ahead of any potential outbreak by ensuring that the public is informed and prepared.

“So, we don’t want any outbreaks, so we are sharing information now with the public, so as to give people the right information on how they are to act.”

mickalia.kington@gleanerjm.com