Advisory Board on Nevis Department of Health Matters – ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation

CHARLESTOWN NEVIS, October 06, 2022 (NIA) — The following is a health advisory from the Nevis Island Authority (NIA) Department of Health regarding Foot and Mouth Disease.

The Nevis Department of Health and Gender Affairs has been made aware of a few reported cases of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD). There is no need for panic or alarm. There is no need to go to the emergency room.

HFMD is a common, mild disease caused by a virus that is spread through hands contaminated with feces, coughs, sneezes, saliva and fluid from blisters or scabs, and contaminated objects and surfaces. The last outbreak dates back to 2017.

In healthy children (and adults), HFMD is very unlikely to cause serious illness or death. Blisters may appear on the roof of the mouth, on the palms of the hands, and on the soles of the feet. They can appear on the buttocks, legs and arms. Mouth sores may develop, often on the tongue and sides of the mouth, which may blister and become painful. These signs and symptoms usually disappear in about 7 to 10 days.

Affected children should stay away from school for at least 7 to 10 days after symptoms appear.

The spread is limited by washing your hands well with soap and water and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

The early childhood centers and schools concerned do not need to close. Fairly strict attention should be paid to disinfection of surfaces and objects and effective hand washing after handling pampers or other undergarments.

The Ministry of Health and Gender is available to answer questions and provide assistance if needed through its public health departments.