Port-of-Spain, December 13, 2024: The Ministry of Health wishes to advise citizens that a few suspected cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have recently been reported, and though it does not pose as a public health threat, persons should be vigilant in protecting themselves and their children from the disease.
The symptoms of HFMD are:
· fever
· loss of appetite
· sore throat
· a feeling of being unwell
· 1-2 days after the fever starts:
o painful sores in the mouth
o a skin rash may also develop on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Sometimes rash also
appears on the knees, elbows, and buttocks.
The symptoms usually resolve on their own within 1 to 2 weeks and are generally mild to moderate in intensity.
It is important to note that while HFMD does not pose a serious health risk, it is very contagious. The disease is easily spread from person to person through coughing; sneezing; close contact; contact with infected faeces, such as can happen when changing a diaper; and touching surfaces or objects which have been contaminated with the virus.
Members of the public, especially parents and guardians, are therefore encouraged to exercise good hygienic practices to reduce the spread of infection:
· Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after changing diapers and after using the toilet
· Cover mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing
· Clean dirty and/or regularly touched surfaces, including toys, door knobs, and countertops, first with soap and water and then disinfect them with a solution of chlorine bleach (made by adding 1 tablespoon of bleach to 4 cups of water)
· Avoid close contact with persons who display symptoms of HFMD (e.g. kissing, hugging, sharing eating utensils/ cups, etc.)
· Avoid sharing eating utensils/ cups, towels etc.
· Keep sick infants and children away from school and gatherings until they are well
· Maintain the cleanliness of homes, child care centres, kindergartens and/or schools.
The Ministry of Health has also taken pre-emptive measures including advising members of the medical fraternity (both in the public and private sectors) to be prepared for patients presenting with symptoms of the disease. Persons are therefore encouraged to speak to their primary care physicians should they have any concerns.
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