Hand foot and mouth disease, very contagious, says Paediatrician

Parents are being asked to closely monitor their children as confirmed cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), continue to rise at educational institutions throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

Paediatrician, Dr Sheri Ann Davis- Andrews said in an interview with the Agency for Public Information that medical attention should be sought especially in cases where the diagnosis is unsure, or if the child is not eating or drinking well, or if symptoms do not improve after treatment.

Dr Andrews encouraged parents to keep their children hydrated and increase their fluid intake, which is critical once they are ill. She also advised care givers of young children to continuously sanitize and disinfect surfaces and toys and to encourage proper hand washing “after using the potty, or for parents/caregivers after changing diapers”.

The Paediatrician explained that though Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is a common viral illness among children age zero to seven years, it can also occur in adults, and while persons are most contagious during the first week of contracting the disease, they can still be contagious for weeks after the symptoms go away.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment has said it is closely monitoring the situation and has advised that parents/caregivers should avoid sending children to daycare and school if they are suffering from the disease.

Also that they always follow safe hygiene practices.

Hand, Foot and Mouth disease usually presents itself with sores/blisters that can appear in the palms and or soles of the feet, making it painful for children to even walk. The illness usually starts with a fever, sore throat, reduced appetite and a feeling of being unwell.