Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease cases surge in KZN – NICD says no need to panic

The Nationwide Institute for Communicable Ailments (NICD) says there “isn’t any want for the general public to panic” as a result of the Hand, Foot and Mouth Illness “outbreak stays beneath management.”

KwaZulu-Natal began recording instances of HFMD in early February. The primary confirmed instances have been in faculties within the northern elements of the province within the Phoenix space in Durban.

The well being division has since referred to as for calm because the variety of instances has surged to 195. Right here’s all it’s essential know.

NICD defined in a press release issued on 18 February 2025, that the institute was working along with the well being division in monitoring the present state of affairs.

It’s additionally “offering essential assist to the province to include the unfold of this pretty frequent viral an infection, which primarily impacts infants and kids.”

Hand, Foot and Mouth Illness is attributable to enteroviruses and happens in summer time and autumn. Outbreaks often happen at faculties, day-care centres and crèches.

Kids youthful than 10 years are largely in danger. Additionally, adults with weak immune techniques might be contaminated. The illness can unfold from person-to-person and thru contaminated objects and faeces.

NICD CALLS FOR VIGILANCE

Regardless of NICD stating the state of affairs was at present beneath management, it has referred to as for vigilance. It urged dad and mom and caregivers “to be vigilant in case their kids show frequent signs” of Hand, Foot and Mouth Illness.

“A small minority of people with HFMD might must be admitted to hospital for remedy of issues. Contaminated people with extreme illness or issues should go to the closest healthcare facility,” the assertion acknowledged.

The institute additional revealed the frequent Hand, Foot and Mouth Illness signs to look out for. They’re:

Fever

Sore throat

Tiredness

Lack of urge for food

Small blisters on the within of the mouth, sides of the tongue, palms of the palms and soles of the toes

These with Hand, Foot and Mouth Illness can get well with out having to take remedy or remedy. Signs often clear after seven to 10 days with out remedy.

“Dad and mom are urged to maintain symptomatic kids at dwelling till they get well to forestall additional unfold of the illness,” the assertion additional learn.

“Though HFMD just isn’t a part of the notifiable medical circumstances, the division stays on excessive alert to watch the variety of instances in KZN and to detect outbreaks, if skilled, in different elements of the nation,” it concluded.

HAVE YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW BEEN AFFECTED BY THE HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE OUTBREAK?

Tell us by leaving a remark beneath or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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