Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness among infants and children under the age of five years, but can also occur in older children and adults.
Usually HFMD gets better on its own within 7 to 10 days. It’s important to note that Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is NOT the same as foot and mouth disease that affects farm animals.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) signs and symptoms are as follows:
1. Fever
2. Sore throat
3. Reduced appetite
4. Feeling/looking unwell
5. One or two days after the fever starts, painful sores may develop in the mouth. They usually begin as small red spots, often in the back of the mouth, that blister and can become painful, making it difficult for the child to swallow.
6. A skin rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, small red spots, sometimes with blisters. It may also appear on the knees, elbows, buttocks or genital area.
The disease can be spread from person to person through:
1. Close personal contact, such as hugging an infected person;
2. Contact with face when changing diapers of an infected person and hands are not thoroughly washed after;
3. Touching contaminated surfaces like door knobs, toys, tables, etc., then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing your hands
Although fatalities and hospitalization of HFMD are low, the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Do you need any information sessions, materials or have questions? Send us an email or visit one of the links provided below for more information:
1. Health Promotion Unit -
2. Community Nursing Department -
3. Face to face interview with District Medical Officer, Dr. Alisha Bonadie aired January 31st, 2025 on HFMD - interview starts from
2hrs: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18drmKCmP3/?mibextid=wwXIfr
4. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17GMBWKrWJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
5. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF3Y7mIvO8V/?igsh=eno2dGR6bDI4Ynpq
6. Website - https://health.gov.vc/
Recommended guidelines for home care for persons with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease:
Caring for a child/children with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) involves providing comfort and preventing the spread of the infection. Here are some guidelines for home care:
1. Avoid going to school or public spaces - Keep the child/children at home until the fever is completely gone and mouth sores have healed. They are most contagious during the first week of the illness.
2. Maintain hygiene - Wash hands frequently, especially after diaper changes, using the toilet, and before preparing food. Teach the child to wash their hands thoroughly. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs, toys, and countertops, with disinfectant wipes or sprays. Avoid sharing utensils, towels, or bedding to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
3. Comfort measures for skin rash - The rash usually appears on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks. To soothe irritated skin, you can apply calamine lotion or use oatmeal baths. Keep the skin clean and dry, and avoid tight shoes or clothing that might irritate the rash.
4. Hydration - Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration, as the mouth sores can make drinking painful. Offer cool liquids, like water, milk, or diluted apple juice. Fruit popsicles, frozen yogurt, and frozen fruit juices can also help soothe sore throats. Avoid acidic, sugary, and/or fizzy drinks that can irritate mouth sores, resulting in pain and discomfort.
5. Pain relief - Also consult with your pediatrician or primary healthcare provider before using pain relief medication even if they are over-the-counter. Do not give aspirin to children, as it can lead to Reye's syndrome.
6. Monitor for complications - While most cases are mild, children should be monitored for any signs of complications, such as dehydration, low or no urine output, persistent fever, or unusual lethargy (lack of energy). If symptoms worsen or the child has difficulty swallowing fluids or breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
HFMD usually resolves on its own within 7 to 10 days, but it is important to follow these guidelines to keep the child/children comfortable and prevent the spread of the
illness.
Guidelines for Educational Institutions:
The Ministry is advising the following precautionary measures:
To reduce the spread of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in schools, here are several key guidelines that schools can follow:
1. Encourage sick children to stay at home - Inform parents to keep children with HFMD at home until the fever subsides and mouth sores begin to heal, typically for about a week. Ensure that school policies explicitly recommend staying home when sick to reduce the chance of transmission for any viral or infectious diseases. It is important to note that children DO NOT need medical clearance to return to school.
2. Promote hand hygiene - Encourage children and staff to wash their hands with liquid soap and running water, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing. In the absence of liquid soap and running water, 75% alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be placed in classrooms, hallways, and cafeterias as an additional measure.
3. Increase surface cleaning and disinfection - Frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, desks, toys, computers, and shared equipment. Use a disinfectant effective against viruses, especially in classrooms, bathrooms, and lunchrooms. In young children’s classrooms, make sure toys and play materials are sanitized regularly and avoid sharing items that come into contact with the mouth, such as stuffed animals.
4. Ensure respiratory etiquette - Teach and encourage students to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing. Ensure easily accessible tissues and trash bins for immediate disposal. Prohibit sharing of personal items like utensils, cups, towels, water bottles, or toys that may come into contact with saliva or mucus.
5. Immediate response: If a child shows signs of HFMD, separate them from other children immediately and have the parent pick them up as soon as possible. Establish a clear protocol for teachers and staff to report any children who show symptoms of HFMD and to notify parents quickly. Ensure that staff are aware of the symptoms of HFMD, including fever, sore throat, rash, and sores on hands, feet, or in the mouth.
6. Outbreak notifications: Notify parents if an outbreak of HFMD is occurring at the school, providing information about symptoms, preventive measures, and when to keep their child home. Keep track of any additional cases and ensure parents are informed and understand when it's safe for their child to return to school.
By taking these steps, schools can help reduce the transmission of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease and create a safer, healthier environment for all students and staff.
GUIDELINES FOR CLEANING AND SANITIZING
CLEANING is the removal of dirt, dust, soil, and stain from surfaces. This is done with soap and water and the use of a clean cloth or sponge.
SANITIZING - Sanitizing is the use of heat or chemicals to reduce the number of microorganisms to safe levels. This includes the use of bleach, steaming, or boiling.
SANITIZING SMALL AREAS/ITEMS - For the sanitizing of small areas and items such as toys, make a sanitizing solution with chemicals such as bleach or other sanitizing agents with alcohol in excess of 70%. Use a clean cloth to wipe and sanitize items or surface areas.
SOLUTION - 1 tbsp. bleach to 1-gallon water:
Place items in bleach water and ensure all areas are covered. Soak for at least 2 minutes, then remove with clean hands or tongs. Leave areas or items to air dry.
SANITIZING LARGER AREAS - For the sanitizing of larger areas such as bathroom, floors, walls, diaper changing tables, etc., a stronger bleach solution is recommended to reduce or destroy microorganisms.
SOLUTION - 5 tbsp. to 1 gallon of water:
Clean areas with bleach solution. Ensure that the bleach solution remains on surfaces for at least one minute. Allow to air dry.
REMINDERS:
➢ Clean surfaces before sanitizing.
➢ Use proper PPE's.
➢ Do not mix cleaners with other chemicals.
➢ Ensure the area is well ventilated.
➢ Store and use chemicals out of reach of children.
➢ Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
SOURCE: Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment
