Concern about increasing hand, foot and mouth disease cases in KZN schools

Schools in the northern suburbs are facing growing concerns over the increasing number of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases, with Deccan Road Primary School in Northdale, KZN, confirming more than 15 cases among its pupils since mid-February.

According to an article published by The Witness, the KZN Department of Health says cases of HFMD have been reported in educational institutions across the eThekwini District since early February, with the outbreak reaching Pietermaritzburg later that month.

The principal, Ganesh Ramlall, confirmed that the last reported case at Deccan Road Primary was on Monday.

“This outbreak has prompted us to take swift action, including enhanced cleaning protocols, monitoring pupil health, and communicating with parents about symptoms and prevention.”

Ramlall says the school has been working closely with health authorities to contain the spread of the contagious viral illness that primarily affects young children and spreads through close contact, causing fever, mouth sores, and skin rashes.

“We have been in constant communication with parents and have advised them to keep children at home if they show any symptoms and seek medical advice,” he adds.

To mitigate the spread, the school has placed hand sanitisers in every classroom and instructed infected pupils to quarantine for 10 days before returning to school.

Orient Heights Primary School principal Kalay David confirmed that their school has been affected and that strict sanitation measures are being implemented.

“We ensure that pupils are sanitised at the school gate before they enter. Our primary concern is that this disease may impact learning, especially as we are currently in the assessment period for the term.

“We encourage parents to ensure that children have no direct contact with persons who are ill. Those who are affected by HFMD are urged to visit the nearest healthcare facility,” she says.

The KZN Department of Health has been monitoring the outbreak and advising schools to follow health protocols to prevent further spread.

“Pupils who are symptomatic of HFMD should be kept at home until they feel better. Of course, proper hygiene, including washing of hands, is essential,” says KZN Department of Health spokesperson Agiza Hlongwane.

Hlongwane says that HFMD can be found across South Africa, but outbreaks commonly occur in crèches and daycare centres.

The disease spreads through direct contact with infected persons or contaminated objects.

Symptoms of HFMD include fever, sore throat, fatigue, loss of appetite and small blisters on the inside of the mouth, sides of the tongue, palms and soles of the feet. Symptoms usually appear three to seven days after infection and last for seven to 10 days.”

Health officials have urged parents and schools to prioritise hygiene and ensure symptomatic children remain at home until they recover.

“Proper handwashing is essential in preventing the spread of HFMD,” Hlongwane says.

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