Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is on the rise in the British Virgin Islands with five reported cases over the last four weeks.
This is according to National Epidemiologist Harmonie Massiah who made the comment in a media release from the Ministry of Health which was published on Friday November 5.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a generally mild disease caused by a group of viruses called Coxsackie Viruses. It mainly affects infants and young children (less than five years old) but can also occur in older children and adults.
Massiash said the disease is spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and contact with infected feces through changing a diaper, or touching surfaces or objects which have been contaminated with the virus.
She said, “Symptoms usually begin with a fever, sore throat, reduced appetite and a general feeling of being unwell…Within a day or two after the first symptoms, a rash and bumps may appear on the soles of the feet, palms of the hands and inside the mouth. A rash may also develop on the elbows, knees and buttocks. The bumps may blister but do not cause itching.”
The national epidemiologist said that there are asymptomatic cases where infected persons can still transmit the disease, adding that due to the mildness of the illness persons usually recover between 7-10 days.
“We need daycare institutions to adhere to proper hygiene and sanitation practices and sick children should be kept at home until they are well to limit spread of the infection in schools and daycare institutions,” she stated.
How to treat the virus
The ministry said there is no specific treatment for the disease but advised that symptoms can be treated to provide relief.
“Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to manage the fever and pain. Persons with the virus need to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Cold liquids are usually preferable. Spicy and acidic foods should be avoided as they may cause discomfort,” the Ministry of Health stated.
It added, “To reduce the risk of getting infected with HFMD and prevent the spread of the virus, parents and care workers are encouraged to wash hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers. Adults should help young children do the same.”
The ministry is also asking persons to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Persons are also being asked to disinfect surfaces and objects, such as toys and doorknobs and to avoid close contact such as hugging, kissing and sharing eating utensils with persons who have hand, foot and mouth disease.