A prominent preparatory school in St Andrew has suspended classes because of the detection of a student with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

The doors of the school will remain closed today following a premature ending of classes yesterday in an effort to control the viral disease.

It is reported that more than a week ago, a kindergarten student at the school was confirmed with the illness, prompting the institution to consider precautionary measures to keep the students safe.

HFMD is a human syndrome caused by intestinal viruses. It usually affects infants and children, and is contagious.

Not serious

According to the Ministry of Health, the disease is not serious as the illness is typically mild.

Though the school claimed that only one student was diagnosed with the disease, the health ministry told The Gleaner that two cases were found. Other reports suggest that even more students might be affected.

The chairman of the school's board said the decision to close the institution was taken to allow time for a general clean-up and sanitising exercise.

"Under the guidance of the Ministry of Health, we have been advised that it is best to approach the issue in this manner to minimise, to the extent that we reasonably can, the possibility of our children spreading the infectious disease," he said.

Urged to be safe at home

He said the parents are being encouraged to take precautionary measures at home while the school continues to do its part.

"We teach the children good hygienic practices here, but we try to get the parents involved in an effort to control the disease."

Parents frantic

At the school yesterday, parents were seen frantically collecting their children after being informed of the early closure.

One parent, who was obviously displeased, told The Gleaner she was tired of viruses breaking out at the school.

"Just the other day it was H1N1, now is this virus. I am just wondering what is next," stated the parent, who asked not to be identified.

However, other parents were just grateful that the school was taking the precautions.

The HFMD can be spread through direct contact with the mucus, saliva or faeces of an infected person.

HFMD is not to be confused with foot-and-mouth disease, which affects sheep, cattle and swine.

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com