Hand, foot and mouth disease: Symptoms to look out for

702's Clement Manyathela interviews Dr Vuyiswa Kumalo of the Outbreak Response Unit at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).

Listen below:

As of last week, the number of confirmed cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in KwaZulu-Natal has risen to 373. 

Most cases are concentrated in the eThekwini District, followed by the King Cetshwayo, Ugu, and uMkhanyakude Districts.

RELATED: Hand, foot, and mouth disease spikes: 'Don't panic, but be vigilant’ - Health Dept

Kumalo explains that HFMD is a viral infection caused by a group of enteroviruses, which infect millions of people worldwide each year.

Common signs include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Small blisters on the inside of the mouth, tongue, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet

Kumalo says that the disease is particularly prevalent during summer and autumn. 

She adds that HFMD is most common among children under the age of 10, as their immune systems are still developing.

There is no vaccine available in South Africa to prevent HFMD.

"Immunisations and child vaccines aren't really geared to preventing hand, foot and mouth disease."

- Dr Vuyiswa Kumalo, Outbreak Response Unit – National Institute for Communicable Diseases

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.