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

Botswana’s Ministry of Health has reported 50 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, primarily among children under five in Gaborone and Francistown. The disease is mild, spreading through contact with infected bodily fluids, and the ministry recommends hygiene practices to manage the outbreak.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Botswana has reported a new outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease, announcing that 50 cases have been documented across the country. The affected areas thus far are primarily the cities of Gaborone and Francistown, with the majority of cases occurring in children under the age of five.

Christopher Nyanga, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, communicated that most suspected cases have been identified within various pre-schools in the aforementioned cities. While the current situation is manageable with only 50 reported instances, the ministry is vigilant about monitoring the outbreak.

The common symptoms associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) include fever, sore throat, and rash with blisters appearing on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. It has been emphasized that the disease is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, nasal secretions, blister fluid, or feces.

Nyanga indicated that the disease can be especially contagious in environments such as schools and daycare centers. Fortunately, he reassured the public that HFMD is generally mild and tends to resolve on its own within seven to ten days, with most children recovering fully without any lasting effects.

To combat the spread of HFMD, the Ministry has urged the public to adhere to essential hygiene practices. These practices encompass regular hand washing with soap and water, thorough cleaning and disinfection, and the isolation of infected individuals. The ministry will persist in monitoring the outbreak and will provide public updates as necessary.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hand, foot, and mouth disease is a prevalent infectious condition that primarily affects children but can also be seen in adolescents and adults. The disease is typically mild and self-limiting, with symptoms such as fever, painful mouth sores, and rashes on the hands, feet, and buttocks.

In rare instances, more severe complications may arise, including meningitis, encephalitis, and polio-like paralysis.

In summary, Botswana is currently facing an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease, with a total of 50 cases reported mainly in Gaborone and Francistown. The disease predominantly affects young children and is characterized by mild symptoms that typically resolve without significant complications. The Ministry of Health advises the public on hygiene practices to help control the spread, while emphasizing that monitoring of the outbreak will continue.

Original Source: www.mmegi.bw