The Ministry of Health (MoH) has warned the public of a new outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease in which 50 cases were recorded across the country.
In a statement, Christopher Nyanga, the permanent secretary to the ministry stated that the disease has hit only the two cities thus far and affects children the most under the age of five.
“The Ministry of Health informs members of the public that suspected cases of hand, foot, and disease have been mainly detected in some pre-schools in Gaborone and Francistown,” he said.
He highlighted that the situation is not dire for now as only 50 cases have been detected.
“About 50 suspected cases have so far been detected and the common symptoms are; fever, sore throat, rash with blisters on the hands, feet and inside the mouth and feeling unwell,” he stated.
Furthermore, he stated that the disease spreads through direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, fluid from blisters, or faeces of an infected person.
“It can be highly contagious in settings like schools and daycare centres,” Nyanga stated.
Though the ministry warned the public of the outbreak, Nyanga pointed out that the condition is easily manageable.
“Fortunately, however, HFMD is usually mild and self-limiting, resolving within seven to 10 days without complications. The majority of children usually recover without long-term effects,” he said.
The ministry has advised the public to follow simple hygiene measures, which include hand hygiene, frequent hand washing with soap and water, cleaning and disinfection, and isolation of cases.
Meanwhile, the ministry has advised that it will continue to monitor the outbreak and advise the public in due course.
What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?
According to the WHO website, hand, foot, and mouth disease is "a common infectious disease that occurs most often in children, but can also occur in adolescents and occasionally in adults. In most cases, the disease is mild and self-limiting, with common symptoms including fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet, and buttocks. However, more severe symptoms such as meningitis, encephalitis, and polio-like paralysis may occur."
“The Ministry of Health informs members of the public that suspected cases of hand, foot, and disease have been mainly detected in some pre-schools in Gaborone and Francistown,” he said.
He highlighted that the situation is not dire for now as only 50 cases have been detected.
“About 50 suspected cases have so far been detected and the common symptoms are; fever, sore throat, rash with blisters on the hands, feet and inside the mouth and feeling unwell,” he stated.
Furthermore, he stated that the disease spreads through direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, fluid from blisters, or faeces of an infected person.
“It can be highly contagious in settings like schools and daycare centres,” Nyanga stated.
Though the ministry warned the public of the outbreak, Nyanga pointed out that the condition is easily manageable.
“Fortunately, however, HFMD is usually mild and self-limiting, resolving within seven to 10 days without complications. The majority of children usually recover without long-term effects,” he said.
The ministry has advised the public to follow simple hygiene measures, which include hand hygiene, frequent hand washing with soap and water, cleaning and disinfection, and isolation of cases.
Meanwhile, the ministry has advised that it will continue to monitor the outbreak and advise the public in due course.
What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?
According to the WHO website, hand, foot, and mouth disease is "a common infectious disease that occurs most often in children, but can also occur in adolescents and occasionally in adults. In most cases, the disease is mild and self-limiting, with common symptoms including fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet, and buttocks. However, more severe symptoms such as meningitis, encephalitis, and polio-like paralysis may occur."
