Botswana’s Ministry of Health has reported 50 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, primarily affecting children under five in Gaborone and Francistown. The disease, while contagious, is generally mild and self-limiting. Emphasis is placed on hygiene practices to prevent further spread, with the Ministry monitoring the situation closely.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Botswana has issued a warning concerning an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), with 50 confirmed cases across the nation. As stated by Christopher Nyanga, the permanent secretary of MoH, the outbreak has primarily impacted children under the age of five, particularly in the cities of Gaborone and Francistown.
Nyanga explained that suspected cases have predominantly emerged from pre-schools in these areas. Although the number of cases is concerning, he reassured the public that the situation is manageable at present, with only 50 reported instances. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and rashes with blisters on hands, feet, and inside the mouth.
The disease is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact with the infected person’s fluids, such as saliva, nasal secretions, and blister fluid. Nyanga stressed the importance of vigilance in schools and daycare centers due to the heightened risk of transmission.
Fortunately, Nyanga noted that HFMD is generally mild and self-limiting, with recovery usually occurring within seven to ten days without complications. Most affected children tend to recover fully without lasting effects.
To combat the outbreak, the Ministry has provided public health recommendations, which include maintaining hand hygiene, regular hand washing with soap and water, thorough cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, and isolating infected individuals. Continuous monitoring of the outbreak will be conducted, with updates to be provided as necessary.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common infectious disease that occurs most often in children, but can also occur in adolescents and occasionally in adults. In most cases, the disease is mild and self-limiting, with common symptoms including fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet, and buttocks. However, more severe symptoms such as meningitis, encephalitis, and polio-like paralysis may occur.”
This recent outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease in Botswana underscores the need for public awareness and hygiene practices to prevent further spread, particularly among young children. The Ministry of Health’s emphasis on manageable symptoms and preventive measures highlights the importance of community cooperation in addressing health challenges. Continuous monitoring will ensure timely updates for the public.
Original Source: www.mmegi.bw
