The Department of Health has called for calm following an outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in KwaZulu-Natal despite an alarming increase in the number of cases reported thus far.
There are over 180 confirmed cases of the disease in KwaZulu-Natal, mostly in the northern parts of Durban.
The Department has however sought to allay fears, adding that it is working closely with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases to contain the spread of this common viral infection, which mainly affects infants and children under the age of five.
Speaking on YouFM News Hour, the Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said they’re also providing necessary support to the province.
“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.
However, parents and caregivers are urged to be vigilant in case their children display common symptoms such as fever, sore throat, tiredness, loss of appetite and small blisters on the inside of the mouth, sides of the tongue, palms of the hands and soles of the feet,” said Mohale.
The disease is caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses, and it mainly occurs in small outbreaks at schools, crèches and day-care centres during the summer and autumn months.
“Parents are urged to keep symptomatic children at home until they recover to prevent further spread of the disease.
HFMD spreads from person-to-person by direct contact or by droplets from the mouth or nose of an infected person.
The virus may also be spread through contaminated objects (e.g. toys, stationery) and faeces.
Children under the age of 10 years are at greatest risk of infection.
It is not common in adults, but people with weak immune systems may be prone to infection,” explained Mohale.
The department said it has no readily available vaccine for the disease, as it is usually self-limiting and clears without medication after 7 to 10 days.
Furthermore, it recommended similar COVID-19 preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.
“Hygiene practices are some of the most effective preventative and control methods to contain the spread of the disease.
Educators and parents are encouraged to promote good hygiene habits at homes and school environment including regular handwashing, covering mouth when coughing, regularly cleaning surfaces and not sharing eating utensils and stationery,” advised Mohale.
HFMD affects humans and it is completely different from foot-and-mouth disease, otherwise known as hoof-and-mouth disease which mainly affects farm animals like sheep and cattle.
The two diseases are not related and are caused by different viruses.
