Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis – The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public of the Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) outbreak affecting the early childhood sector. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education have been in dialogue regarding the thorough cleaning and sanitization of the affected schools /facilities.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a contagious viral illness that primarily affects infants and young children. The Ministry urges parents, guardians, and childcare professionals to be vigilant and aware of the symptoms, which include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Painful sores, often in the mouth
• Rash on the hands, feet, and buttocks
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability, especially in infants and toddlers

The Ministry advises the public to adopt strict hygiene practices to minimize the spread of HFMD. Routine cleaning and sanitization are crucial, and the use of bleach-based cleaning products is strongly recommended for disinfecting surfaces and shared items such as toys and furniture. Parents are encouraged to keep children exhibiting symptoms of HFMD at home and to consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.

In addition to these measures, the Ministry underscores the importance of:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after diaper changes and before
  meals.
• Avoiding close contact such as hugging, kissing, or sharing eating utensils with infected
  individuals.
• Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces regularly, including doorknobs, countertops,
  and electronic devices.

The Ministry of Health is working closely with daycare administrators, and the Ministry of Education to ensure comprehensive cleaning and the of strengthening infection prevention and control measures before the centers reopen.

We thank the public for their cooperation and understanding during this time. The Ministry reminds all citizens and residents to stay vigilant, prioritize hygiene, and report any suspected cases of HFMD to local health authorities. Together, we can prevent the further spread of this illness and ensure the safety of our communities.

End of Release