Botswana Reports Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Botswana’s Ministry of Health reports 50 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, mainly in Gaborone and Francistown. Affects primarily children under five. Symptoms include fever and rash, easily spread in schools. Disease is mild and self-limiting, with hygiene measures recommended to control spread.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Botswana has reported a new outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease, with 50 confirmed cases nationwide. The majority of these cases have emerged in the cities of Gaborone and Francistown, predominantly affecting children under five years of age. Christopher Nyanga, the permanent secretary of the MoH, emphasized that the current situation is manageable, given the limited number of cases identified thus far.

According to Mr. Nyanga, most symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease include fever, sore throat, and a rash with blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. The disease primarily spreads through direct contact with the saliva, nasal secretions, fluid from blisters, or feces of infected individuals. Consequently, it poses a high risk in environments such as schools and daycare centers.

Despite the noted outbreak, Nyanga reassured the public that the disease is typically mild and self-limiting, usually resolving within seven to ten days. Parents can expect their children to recover without any long-term health consequences. To mitigate further spread, the MoH has urged the public to practice proper hygiene, which includes routine handwashing with soap, disinfecting communal spaces, and isolating confirmed cases.

The World Health Organization identifies hand, foot, and mouth disease as a prevalent infectious ailment, predominantly affecting children, but it may also occur in adolescents and adults. Typically mild, symptoms include fever, painful mouth sores, and a rash with blisters on the hands, feet, and buttocks. Severe complications, such as meningitis or encephalitis, are rare but possible. The MoH has committed to ongoing monitoring of the outbreak and will continue to keep the public informed regarding its status and necessary precautions.

In summary, Botswana is currently experiencing an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease, with 50 cases reported, mainly among young children. While the situation is being closely monitored, the Ministry of Health has assured the public that the disease is generally mild and manageable. The implementation of rigorous hygiene practices is essential to prevent further transmission while the health authorities remain proactive in communicating updates.

Original Source: www.mmegi.bw