Zuko Komisa
The Department of Health has issued a plea for calm following an epidemic of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in KwaZulu-Natal, primarily in the Durban area.
HFMD transmits from person to person by direct contact or droplets from an infected individual’s lips and nose. The virus can also be transmitted through contaminated items such as toys, stationery and faeces. Children under the age of ten are at the highest risk of infection.
The disease is uncommon in adults, but persons with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to infection.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Department assured the public that it is working closely with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases to monitor the situation and provide the province with the necessary support to prevent the spread.
“There is no need for the public to panic because the outbreak remains under control and at the current moment there is no serious public health threat detected. However, parents and caregivers are urged to be vigilant in case their children display common symptoms such as 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,” said the Department of Health.
Point of View with Phemelo Motene spoke to Paediatric intensivist at KZN’S Grey’s Hospital, Dr Sbekezelo Hlophe on what is known about the outbreak.
Listen to the full conversation here:
READ NEXT: Dealing with anxiety: Things we go through daily that we never talk about
