Seven children have been confirmed to have the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) at a school in Phoenix, north of Durban.
Over the past week, there have been circulars issued by several primary schools in the area about the outbreak.
In a statement this evening, the KZN Department of Health said they had been informed of an outbreak of HFMD at the school.
They said an outbreak team from the department visited the school with the purpose of investigating the outbreak, whereby seven suspected cases of HFMD were reported to the school between February 6 and 10, subsequently confirmed.
“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 come and pick up their children.
“Following the visit, the Communicable Diseases Coordinator and School Health Team have emphasised the importance of maintaining good health and cleanliness, which include frequent hand washing, no sharing of utensils (such as cutlery, cups, and toothbrushes), and opening windows to allow for air to circulate,” 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 has been 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 are 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 of the HFMD on social media, 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.”
According to the department:
- HFMD can be found anywhere in South Africa, but most outbreaks occur in institutions like crèches or day care centres.
- HFMD is spread from person to person by direct contact or by droplets from the mouth or nose of an infected person.
-HFMD may also be spread through contaminated objects, such as toys, stationery, and faeces. Common signs and symptoms of HFMD include fever, sore throat, tiredness, loss of appetite and small blisters on the inside of the mouth, sides of the tongue, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
-The symptoms of HFMD usually start three to seven days after being infected, and last between seven to 10 days.