Stay safe against childhood illness that could spoil Christmas
With the December holidays approaching, local health experts are warning that the highly contagious disease is spreading easily among young children.
SASOLBURG – With the December holidays around the corner, Vaal residents are looking forward to summer and playtime with friends. Health experts are warning parents to remain vigilant for signs of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).
This highly contagious viral infection mainly affects young children and spreads easily in groups – from preschools to playgrounds and even family gatherings.
Ster South is aware of two Bloemfontein schools that reported cases of this illness earlier this month. Although the Vaal Triangle is about a three-hour drive from Bloemfontein, the increased movement of people during the upcoming festive season poses a risk for further spread of the viral illness.
HFMD is caused by infection with the Coxsackie virus, an RNA virus belonging to the enteroviruses. The first signs of infection are usually fever and a general feeling of illness, followed by a characteristic rash on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and inside the mouth.
Parents can easily distinguish HFMD from other common childhood rashes because it typically appears only in these areas.
Health practitioners in the Vaal Triangle warn that adults can also contract the disease.
A doctor should confirm the diagnosis, after which health guidelines recommend that infected individuals isolate for at least seven days to limit the spread of the virus.
According to local healthcare workers, fever management and symptomatic treatment are the main focus of care.
Health experts emphasise that good hygiene is of utmost importance. Regular handwashing with soap, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding close contact with someone who is ill can help prevent infection.
Although the name may confuse some, hand, foot, and mouth disease is not related to foot-and-mouth disease in animals, which is currently present in many parts of the country. HFMD is caused by a human virus, not by the same virus that infects cloven-hoofed animals.
Parents and caregivers are therefore urged to stay alert, maintain healthy hygiene practices, and seek medical attention as soon as any symptoms appear.
