Botswana has recorded 50 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, primarily affecting young children in Gaborone and Francistown. The Ministry of Health has assured the public regarding the mild and manageable nature of the illness while urging adherence to hygiene measures.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Botswana has reported a new outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease, with 50 confirmed cases across the nation. Christopher Nyanga, the ministry’s permanent secretary, noted that the outbreak is currently limited to Gaborone and Francistown, primarily affecting children under five years of age.
Nyanga stated that the common symptoms associated with the disease include fever, sore throat, rashes with blisters on the hands, feet, and in the mouth, along with general feelings of unwellness. He emphasized that, at present, the situation is not critical with only 50 cases identified.
The disease is transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals’ saliva, nasal secretions, blister fluids, or feces. Nyanga further highlighted its high contagiousness in child care settings such as schools and daycare centers.
Despite the outbreak, Nyanga reassured the public that hand, foot, and mouth disease is generally mild and self-limiting, typically resolving within seven to ten days without complications. Most children recover fully without any long-term effects.
The Ministry has recommended that the public adhere to straightforward hygiene practices, including regular hand washing with soap and water, thorough cleaning and disinfection, and isolating infected individuals. Additionally, the ministry will maintain monitoring of the situation and provide updates as necessary.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hand, foot, and mouth disease is “a common infectious disease that occurs most often in children, but can also occur in adolescents and occasionally in adults. Most cases are mild and self-limiting, with common symptoms including fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet, and buttocks. More severe symptoms, such as meningitis and encephalitis, may arise in rare cases.
In conclusion, Botswana’s Ministry of Health is actively addressing a hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreak with 50 reported cases primarily affecting children under five. The ministry emphasizes the importance of hygiene practices to prevent transmission and reassures the public that the condition is typically mild and manageable. Continued monitoring and public advisories will be crucial as the situation develops.
Original Source: www.mmegi.bw
