THE Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs is alerting the public to a notable increase in reported cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) across Saint Lucia. Typically affecting children under the age of 5, the Ministry warns that older children and adults are also susceptible. In light of the rise in cases, the Ministry is calling for heightened vigilance and adherence to preventive measures to curb further spread of the virus.
Medical Surveillance Officer, Dr. Harani Vemula, emphasizes the importance of community awareness and proactive action. “While Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is often mild and self-limiting, it is highly contagious. We urge parents, caregivers, and the general public to practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. These steps are crucial in breaking the chain of transmission and protecting our most vulnerable populations.”
To minimize the spread, the Ministry is advising the public to implement the following preventive measures:
• Frequent hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after diaper changes or using the restroom.
• Avoid touching the face with unwashed hands.
• Maintain distance from those showing symptoms of HFMD.
• Disinfect surfaces regularly, including toys, door handles, and countertops.
The Ministry also urges parents and caregivers to monitor children closely and seek immediate medical attention if a high fever or persistent symptoms develop. With no available vaccine for HFMD, community cooperation is essential in managing the outbreak.
Dr. Vemula reiterates, “Our goal is to prevent severe cases and complications by ensuring early detection and prompt management. The Ministry is actively monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates as needed. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and adhere to the health guidelines to safeguard our communities,” Medical Surveillance Officer, Dr. Harani Vemula said.
According to the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) countries affected by foot-and-mouth disease suffer severe economic losses due to the decrease in the production of meat and milk and the devaluation of animal products in the context of the international market, which imposes serious obstacles to their development. This amply justifies the efforts that the affected countries are making within the framework of the Hemispheric Plan for the Eradication of Foot-and-Mouth Disease towards the eradication of the disease.
Foot-and-mouth disease belongs to the so-called vesicular disease complex, which also includes vesicular stomatitis (VS), vesicular rash, and swine vesicular disease (SVD). In the affected species, these diseases commonly cause the formation of vesicles with whitish epithelium containing colourless or slightly bloody fluid, which is pathognomonic for these diseases. Due to the similarity of symptoms and clinical signs between the aforementioned diseases and other so-called confusable diseases, the diagnosis should always be based on specific diagnostic tests and a detailed epidemiological tracing study.