Botswana Reports Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease with 50 Cases

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 is manageable, with common symptoms including fever and sores. The ministry advises hygiene practices to prevent spread and will monitor the outbreak closely.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Botswana has reported a concerning outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease, with 50 confirmed cases nationwide. According to Christopher Nyanga, the permanent secretary of the MoH, the outbreak has primarily affected two cities, specifically targeting children under the age of five. The ministry indicated that the majority of these cases have been detected in pre-schools located in Gaborone and Francistown.

Nyanga reassured the public that the situation is currently manageable since only 50 cases have arisen thus far. The common symptoms associated with this disease include fever, sore throat, rashes with blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, as well as general malaise. Furthermore, he emphasized that the disease transmits through direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, fluid from blisters, or the faeces of an infected individual.

The minister highlighted the potential for high contagion in environments such as schools and daycare centers, calling for heightened vigilance. Despite this, he noted that hand, foot, and mouth disease is typically mild and self-limiting, resolving spontaneously within seven to ten days without complications, with most children recovering without enduring effects.

In light of the outbreak, the Ministry of Health is advising the public to adhere to straightforward hygiene protocols. These recommendations include maintaining hand hygiene through frequent washing with soap and water, ensuring proper cleaning and disinfection practices, and isolating affected individuals. The ministry assured the public that monitoring will continue and further public advisories will be issued as necessary.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is largely prevalent among children, though adolescents and adults can also be affected. The World Health Organization describes it as generally mild, presenting with symptoms such as fever, painful mouth sores, and rashes resembling blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks. More serious complications, which may include meningitis and polio-like paralysis, are rare but can occur.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Health in Botswana is addressing an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease, specifically impacting young children in Gaborone and Francistown. While 50 cases have been confirmed, the ministry assures the public of the manageable nature of the disease, highlighting effective hygiene practices to mitigate further spread. Continued monitoring and public communication will remain critical as the situation evolves.

Original Source: www.mmegi.bw