With Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) being highly prevalent at this time of the year, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is alerting parents to take precautions so that children won’t be affected.
Dr Ludrick Morris, President of the Paediatric Association of Jamaica and infection preventionist, told the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) that HFMD is caused by enterovirus and coxsackievirus.
Although HFMD is most common in infants, other age groups should also take precautions. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, and a general feeling of being unwell, followed by painful rashes with blisters and sores on the hands, feet, and mouth.
“It can happen directly, or if they cough or sneeze on surfaces, then the next child comes along and puts their hands on those surfaces, then puts their hands in the mouth, eyes or nose,” he said, implying that viruses are highly contagious and can spread easily through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
In schools and daycares, the spread is very high among children, as they may touch contaminated objects such as doorknobs, desks, chairs, or toys and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “People with HFMD are usually most contagious during the first week that they are sick. However, people can still spread the virus to others for days or weeks after symptoms go away. They can spread it even if they have no symptoms at all.”
The disease is typically more common in March, June, September, and December, especially during the summer and winter seasons when people are in close contact.
Gerald Miller, Parish Health Promotion and Education Officer at the Westmoreland Health Department, said that while there are no reported cases of HFMD, the Ministry is taking a proactive role in safeguarding the population.
“It is important for the public to be aware of what to look for and how to seek help to prevent the spread of the illness,” Miller told JIS News.
He added that consistent information sharing increases the likelihood of behaviour change.
He also advised, “Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups and utensils with infected persons. Clean toys and surfaces regularly using soap and water, then disinfect with a bleach solution.”