Botswana’s Ministry of Health has reported 50 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, primarily affecting children under five in Gaborone and Francistown. The disease, characterized by mild symptoms, spreads easily through contact. The ministry advises on hygiene measures and confirms that recovery is usually straightforward and without long-term effects.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Botswana has reported a new outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), with 50 cases identified nationwide. The outbreak has primarily affected children under five, particularly in the cities of Gaborone and Francistown. Christopher Nyanga, the permanent secretary of the MoH, emphasized that while there are cases reported, the situation remains manageable at this time.
In his statement, Nyanga indicated that common symptoms of the disease include fever, sore throat, and rashes with blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. Transmissions can occur through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, nasal secretions, blisters, or feces, making it particularly contagious in environments like schools and daycare centers.
Nyanga reassured the public that HFMD is typically mild and self-limiting, usually resolving within seven to ten days without complications. Most children recover without any long-term health implications. To combat the outbreak, the ministry recommends strict hygiene practices, including regular hand washing, cleaning and disinfection, as well as isolating infected cases.
The MoH will continue monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates to the public as more information becomes available. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HFMD is a common infectious disease mainly affecting children, but it can also impact adolescents and adults. While the disease is generally mild, serious complications such as meningitis and encephalitis can occur, albeit rarely.
In conclusion, Botswana’s Ministry of Health has identified 50 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, primarily impacting young children. While the situation is manageable, the disease spreads easily through direct contact. The ministry urges adherence to hygiene practices to mitigate risks and has confirmed that most cases will resolve without complications. Continued monitoring of the outbreak will inform the public appropriately.
Original Source: www.mmegi.bw
