Durban,KwaZulu-Natal
The mere mention of hand foot and mouth disease is enough to make any parent shudder. This common childhood illness is incredibly contagious and the recent outbreak in KwaZulu – Natal has sent many into panic mode.
According to a statement issue by the Department of Health, the first 6 cases of the virus were recorded between 6 and 10 February 2025. The number of these cases has since drastically risen to 117 by Saturday , 15 February. The first 6 cases were reported at Lenham Primary School in Phoenix, north of Durban, shortly thereafter, more schools in Phoenix, Greenwood Park and Umhlanga reported cases.
An outreach team from the Department of Health visited the nine affected schools in order to investigate the current outbreak.
” We would like to emphasise the importance of maintaining good health and cleanliness, which includes frequent hand washing, no sharing of utensils and opening windows to allow for air to circulate,” said the Department in a statement.
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Parents, guardians and caregivers are urged to regularly clean surfaces and avoid the sharing of items such as toys and stationary.
Spokesperson for the Department of Health, Ntokozo Maphisa said that they were concerned about the growing numbers but call for calm.
“It is important for people to understand hand, foot and mouth disease, including, how it can be prevented, symptoms and how it is transmitted. We urge all parents to ensure that children have no direct contact with persons who are ill. Those who are affected by the virus, with severe disease are urged to visit their nearest healthcare facility. Learners who are symptomatic of this should be kept at home until they rea feeling better,” said Maphisa.
Here is what you need to know about hand , foot and mouth disease:
- The virus is spread from person to person by direct contact or by droplets from the mouth and nose of an infected person.
- It can be found anywhere in South Africa, but most outbreaks occur in institutions like day care centres.
- Hand foot and mouth disease can also be spread through contaminated objects such as toys, stationary and faeces.
- Common signs and symptoms may include fever, sore throat, tiredness, loss of appetite and small blisters on the inside of the mouth, sides of the tongues, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
- Symptoms usually begin within 3 to 7 days after being infected, and lasts between 7 to 10 days.