The recent outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in primary schools and daycare centres in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has alarmed communities in the province. According to the provincial health department, cases have risen to 117, impacting children between 3 and 13 years.
This is worrying, especially since young children don’t always know what they touch, putting them more at risk.
Babongile Mhlongo, the director of communicable disease control at the KZN health department, has called on educators and parents to regularly sanitise learners and prevent symptomatic children from attending school, reported the SABC.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) explains that HFMD is a common viral infection that mainly affects infants and children. It is caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses and typically spreads in small outbreaks at crèches and day-care centres during the summer and autumn months.
Stop HFMD in its tracks
The #Keready lead, Dr Katlego Lekalakala, explains that there is growing concern about HFMD spreading, especially in schools and crèches. While it is highly contagious, it can be prevented with simple steps.
“I can’t stress this enough – handwashing is your best defence. Soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing nappies, and before eating.”
Dr Katlego Lekalakala
She tells Health for Mzansi that HFMD spreads through saliva, mucus, and surfaces like toys, doorknobs, and school desks. A quick wipe-down with disinfectant at home and in classrooms can make a big difference.
“Kids love touching their faces, and that’s how germs get in. Gently remind them to keep their hands away from their mouths, noses, and eyes.”
She adds, “Teach children to sneeze and cough into their elbow, not their hands. This keeps germs from spreading when touching things. You can make them remember by calling it the ‘vampire cough.’”
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Lekalakala further notes that HFMD is unpleasant but manageable. Implementing small habits can go a long way in protecting families, colleagues, and classmates. If symptoms develop, staying hydrated, resting, and seeing a doctor if things worsen is important.
“I know we teach children to share, but when HFMD is going around, no swapping cups, utensils, or snacks. Even adults should have their own water bottles!”
Dr Katlego Lekalakala
Teachers, employers, and caregivers should be informed. Schools should do daily wipe-downs, and workplaces should encourage sick leave rather than pushing through, she adds.
Symptoms and treatment
According to NICD, common symptoms include:
- fever
- sore throat
- tiredness
- loss of appetite
- small blisters inside the mouth, on the sides of the tongue, palms, and soles of the feet.
While it mostly affects children under 10, adults with weakened immune systems may also be at risk.
Lekalakala advises staying home if you are sick. HFMD is most contagious in the first few days, even before the rash appears. Keeping children and adults home until they are fever-free and feeling better helps stop the spread.
Simple steps like washing hands, sanitising, and keeping surfaces clean can go a long way in protecting everyone.
According to the NICD, there is no specific vaccine or treatment for HMFD. Symptoms such as fever and pain from sores can be treated with medication. Rest as much as you can and drink plenty of water. The infection should clear without medication after 7 to 10 days.
The NICD notes that hand, foot, and mouth disease does not occur in animals and should not be confused with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD, also called hoof-and-mouth disease), which affects animals such as sheep and cattle.
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