No hand-foot-and-mouth outbreak in city – Dept
"We are asking people not to panic. If there is an outbreak, the Department of Health will announce there is one," said spokesperson for the Department of Health, Derick Kganyago.
POLOKWANE – This is after warnings were sent to parents by several schools in the city regarding cases of learners contracting hand, foot and mouth disease (Coxsackie Virus in humans).
More about the disease:
This virus originates in the human digestive tract and is spread through coughing or via faeces on unwashed hands and surfaces. The virus can survive several days outside the body, even in cold conditions. Although anyone is at risk, children are usually affected and that is why most schools in the city have warned parents about the virus.
Local general medical practitioner, Dr JJ Kruger, said it is a flu-like virus and symptoms usually include mild flu like symptoms including head and muscle aches, fever, sore throat and a slight rash. Nausea and abdominal pain is also a possibility.
He further said both adults and children can contract hand, foot and mouth disease, which causes small but painful blisters to appear in the mouth, on the tongue and inside the cheeks, as well as on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Others develop painful blisters and ulcers in the back of the throat.
There is no outbreak in Polokwane as only three cases have been reported said Kganyago.
“The department has an “outbreak team”, the members of which are spreading the word about the disease and educating people on the importance of hygiene and prevention thereof.
“The Department of Health will intensify efforts to fight the disease in and around the city.”
He is also urged caregivers at creches to take the utmost precautions when changing nappies by making sure their hands are clean at all times.”Hygiene is the most important aspect of combating this virus,” he said.
