St Vincent examining possible cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in kids

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment in St Vincent is keeping a close eye on the current condition of the hand, foot, and mouth disease.

2024-07-07 15:23:15

St Vincent records possible cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in kids

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment in St Vincent is keeping a close eye on the current condition of the hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) since confirmed cases have been reported in the country's educational institutions. The Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral ailment that primarily affects newborns and children under the age of five, but it can also affect adults. The sickness is caused by the enterovirus family of viruses. It spreads via close personal contact, such as embracing an infected person, inhaling the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, contact with faeces, such as changing an infected person's diapers or touching contaminated surfaces like door knobs, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands. Fever, sore throat, decreased appetite, and a general sense of being sick are common symptoms of HFMD. Painful sores in the mouth can appear one or two days after the fever begins. They usually start as little red spots that blister and become painful, usually in the back of the mouth. A skin rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet may appear as flat, red areas, occasionally with blisters, over the course of one or two days. It can also affect the knees, elbows, buttocks, and genital region. During the first week of illness, a person with hand, foot, and mouth disease is most contagious. People might be contagious for days or weeks after their symptoms have subsided. To avoid dehydration, make sure you drink plenty of water. The Ministry recommends that people take the following precautions:

Wash hands with soap and water, especially after changing diapers or using the toilet, and before feeding, preparing, or eating food.
Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
If your child has HFMD, don't send them to daycare or school.
Follow safe food hygiene and water practices.
Avoid close contact with infected persons, such as kissing and embracing.
Monitor youngsters for early signs and symptoms, and take those with prolonged fever and blisters on their hands and feet to a doctor for treatment.

The Ministry of Health advised people to show their kids to the doctor if they are facing difficulty swallowing fluids due to mouth sores or a painful throat.

Monika Walker

Monika Walker is an experienced journalist specializing in global political developments and international relations. With a keen eye for accuracy and analysis, Monika has been reporting for over a decade, bringing stories to light that matter to readers around the world. She holds a degree in International Journalism and is passionate about giving a voice to underrepresented communities through factual reporting.