WRHA reports surge in hand, foot and mouth disease

The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is urging parents and guardians to exercise increased vigilance following a surge in hand, foot and mouth disease cases across the region.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a contagious illness caused by several viruses, primarily affecting infants and children under five, although adults are also susceptible.

Symptoms include fever, mouth sores and rashes on the hands and feet. The disease spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and the faecal-oral route.

Medical epidemiologist for the WRHA, Dr Maung Aung, said that 318 hand, foot and mouth disease cases were reported from January to late October 2024, representing a 106.5 per cent jump from the 154 cases reported during the same period in 2023.

“Trends from 2021 to 2023 indicate that the number of hand, foot and mouth disease cases generally increases between September and November of each year, which is what has been observed this year as well,” he said.

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He noted, however, that the numbers reported this year are concerning as they are higher in comparison to the last three years.

As of October 26, Trelawny accounted for nearly half of the hand, foot and mouth disease cases, with 156 cases or 49 per cent of the total. Westmoreland, St James, and Hanover followed with 71 cases (22 per cent), 66 cases (21 per cent), and 25 cases (eight per cent), respectively.

The majority of cases, 84 per cent, are in children under five, with a gender distribution of 47 per cent males and 52 per cent females.

Citizens are encouraged to practise preventive measures, especially among young children, to help curb the spread of the hand, foot and mouth disease.

These include avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth; washing hands regularly; and limiting close interactions with infected individuals.

Also, persons are advised to regularly clean toys and surfaces, and keep sick children at home from school or daycare for a few days to prevent transmission.

Dr Aung noted that while there is no specific treatment for the disease, if a child experiences persistent fever for over 24 hours, parents should seek immediate medical attention.

“If fever persists and the child is not taking usual fluids for more than 24 hours, and you start to see the child's physical appearance changing, instead of treating them at home, take them to the nearest health centre,” he advised.