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 outbreak is manageable, with common symptoms including fever and blisters. Hygiene measures are recommended to prevent further transmission, and the situation is under continuous monitoring.
Botswana has reported an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease, with the Ministry of Health documenting 50 cases nationwide. Christopher Nyanga, the permanent secretary of the ministry, indicated that the outbreak is primarily affecting children under the age of five in Gaborone and Francistown. While this situation is concerning, he emphasized that it is not critical at this time as only 50 cases have emerged.
The identified symptoms include fever, sore throat, rashes with blisters on the hands and feet, and general malaise. Nyanga noted that the disease is transmitted through direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, or fluids from blisters and feces of infected individuals. He warned that it can be highly contagious, particularly in environments such as schools and daycare centers.
Nonetheless, the Ministry of Health reassured the public that hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is typically mild and self-limiting. The illness generally resolves within seven to ten days without complications, with most children recovering fully without any long-term consequences.
To mitigate the spread of the disease, the ministry has recommended several hygiene practices, including regular hand washing with soap and water, thorough cleaning and disinfection, and the isolation of affected individuals. The Ministry will continue to monitor the outbreak and keep the public informed of any developments.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common infectious illness mainly affecting children, though it can also occur in older adolescents and adults. The disease often manifests with mild symptoms, including fever and sores, but may rarely progress to more serious conditions such as meningitis or polio-like paralysis.
In summary, Botswana’s Ministry of Health has acknowledged an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease, with 50 cases primarily observed among young children in specific urban regions. While the outbreak is currently manageable, preventive hygiene measures are advised to curb further spread. Authorities stress that the disease is typically mild, with most children recovering fully over a short duration. Continuous monitoring and public updates are planned to ensure community safety.
Original Source: www.mmegi.bw
