THE Ministry of Health yesterday confirmed that there has been an increase in the outbreak of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in a number of learning institutions; however, ministry officials did not disclose figures.

In a release yesterday, the ministry said that precautionary measures were being taken in kindergartens, primary and preparatory schools in light of the outbreak in some institutions.

It said the ministry's public-health inspectors would carry out inspections on Monday to ensure that proper hygiene and sanitation practices were being observed and appropriate facilities existed.

The inspection process at schools will last for three weeks.

four infected

Classes were suspended at the Stella Maris Preparatory School in upper St Andrew earlier this week due to the detection of students with the illness.

The school reported that one student had been diagnosed with the virus, but the Ministry of Health said four students were infected.

The doors of the school remained closed yesterday following the premature ending of classes on Thursday.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Sheila Campbell-Forrester said that schools should ensure that children observe general hygiene practices to reduce the incidence of spread.

"We have observed an increase in the rate of viral infections recently. These can be reduced if we observe good hygiene practices," she said.

"We continue to urge schools and parents to monitor children and ensure that they wash their hands frequently and properly with soap and water," Campbell-Forrester stressed.

keep children at home

The ministry is urging parents to keep children at home for at least seven days if they are experiencing any HFMD symptoms, or if they have flu-like symptoms. Schools are advised to contact their parish health department if a child is found to have HFMD symptoms.

In the meantime, public-health specialist Dr Winston Davidson said that there was no need for parents to panic over the outbreak. "From time to time, we have outbreaks of such a nature and we control it. So I am confident that the public-health department will control this one," he said.

HFMD is caused by intestinal viruses. It usually affects children and is contagious.

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

Hand, foot and mouth disease

Illness

The disease usually begins with a fever, poor appetite, malaise (feeling vaguely unwell), and often, with a sore throat. One or two days after fever onset, painful sores usually develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. The sores are usually located on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks. A non-itchy skin rash develops over one-two days. The rash has flat or raised red spots, sometimes with blisters. The rash is usually located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It may also appear on the buttocks and/or genitalia. A person with HFMD may have only the rash or only the mouth sores.

Prevention

The following good hygiene practices can lower the risk of infection. These include:

Washing hands frequently.

Cleaning dirty surfaces and soiled items, including toys, first with soap and water, then disinfect.

Avoiding close contact, such as kissing, hugging, sharing eating utensils or cups with persons with HFMD.

Information provided by public-health specialist Dr Winston Davidson.