Calls for calm over Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) outbreak at Phoenix school

THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health confirmed the outbreak of the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), a mild, contagious viral infection that is common in young children, in Durban, on Wednesday evening.

This after seven children tested positive for HFMD at a school in Phoenix, north of Durban.

The HFMD is usually contracted via droplets with virus particles and lasts between seven to10 days.

Common symptoms of the HFMD are fever, sore throat, listlessness. blistered and peeling skin.

Over the past week, there were circulars issued by several primary schools in the Phoenix area about the outbreak

In the department’s statement released on Wednesday, they confirmed they were alerted to the outbreak of HFMD at the school in question.

They said their outbreak team visited the school with the purpose of investigating further the seven suspected cases of HFMD that were reported to the school between February 6 and 10, and has since been confirmed as positive.

“The affected children were in Grades 1, 2 and 3.”

The department said an additional twelve pupils were clinically assessed by the district school health team, and were found to be having flu-like symptoms, blisters, and swollen hands. Their parents were called by the school principal to have the children fetched.

“Following the visit, the Communicable Diseases Coordinator and School Health Team have emphasised the importance of maintaining good health and cleanliness, which includes frequent hand washing, no sharing of utensils (such as cutlery, cups, and toothbrushes), and opening windows to allow for air circulation,” they said.

The department said the School Health Team will visit more schools in the eThekwini district to conduct examinations on pupils.

In addition, a virtual meeting was scheduled for school principals and circuit managers around the district to discuss all matters pertaining to this disease.

“In the meantime, the department urges all parents and caregivers to regularly clean surfaces and avoid the sharing of items such as toys and stationery,” they said.

Ntokozo Maphisa, spokesperson for the department in KZN, said: “Children should avoid direct contact with persons who are ill. Affected children should not be excluded from school if they were well enough to attend. There is no need to close schools when cases of HFMD occur.

“Infected individuals with severe disease or complications must go to the nearest healthcare facility. Pupils who are symptomatic of HFMD should be kept at home until they feel better,” he said.

The department said they had noted recent reports about the HFMD on social media platforms, which appeared to sow fear, confusion and panic.

“We wish to appeal to the public for calm in this regard, and for those who can, to note the facts, and not spread fear.”

DAILY NEWS