Spike in hand, foot and mouth disease cases

Amid an increase in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in KZN, King Cetshwayo District (KCD) has the second-highest number of cases.

According to the Department of Health, there are 25 confirmed cases across King Cetshwayo District.

The outbreak has led to one primary school in Empangeni halting attendance of its grades R to 3 pupils today (Tuesday) and tomorrow.

ALSO READ: All about Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease in kids

Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane said her department has noted with deep concern that in just a matter of days, the number of reported HFMD cases in KZN has increased from 36 on Saturday to over 100.

Simelane is expected to engage with school authorities and health professionals today, while also outlining the urgent steps the province is taking to contain the rising incidence of HFMD.

According to the department, symptoms usually start 3 to 7 days after infection, and last between 7 and 10 days.

Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, tiredness, loss of appetite, and small blisters on the inside of the mouth, sides of the tongue, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

HFMD is typically a mild illness that resolves on its own within a week.

It is important to note that HFMD is not related to foot and mouth disease (FMD) found in animals.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY