Hand, foot, and mouth disease spikes: 'Don't panic, but be vigilant’ - Health Dept
Cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) have been reported in eThekwini.
FILE: The rash of hands foot and mouth disease. Picture: James Heilman, MD via Wikimedia Commons
702 and CapeTalk’s Africa Melane speaks with Foster Mohale, Health Departmental Spokesperson
Listen below.
195 cases of Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) have been confirmed across KwaZulu-Natal.
The majority of these cases have been in the eThekwini district.
HFMD is a viral infection that primarily affects young children.
Symptoms include a rash on the hands and feet, mouth sores, fever, sore throat, unwellness, irritability, and loss of appetite.
It is spread through direct contact, droplets, and contaminated objects.
Although HFMD is generally mild, the Department of Health still urges parents and educators to practice good hygiene to minimise the spread.
“So far, the disease is contained in the province KwaZulu-Natal. There is no need to panic but people need to be vigilant.”
- Foster Mohale, Health Departmental Spokesperson
Mohale says this disease in not life threatening, but it can be disruptive for young children as they will need to stay home from school if they are infected.
Scroll up to the audio player for more.