Officials urge vigilance as hand, foot and mouth cases rise in BVI

Health officials have reported a sharp rise in cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), confirming 66 infections across early childhood learning centres and pre-primary schools.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development issued the update this week, warning that the highly contagious viral illness is spreading quickly among young children. Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronald Georges said the Public Health Unit has activated several key responses to help reduce the spread of the virus.

“To mitigate spread, the Public Health Unit has implemented several key interventions such as enhanced surveillance, an increase in health inspections, public awareness and support for daycares and schools,” he stated.

HFMD spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, respiratory droplets, blister fluid, or stool. It can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces or objects such as toys, doorknobs, and shared utensils. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, painful mouth ulcers, skin rash on the hands, feet or buttocks, decreased appetite, irritability, and fatigue.

“Parents and caregivers are urged to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread by adhering to the guidance offered by public health,” Dr Georges advised.

The Ministry has outlined several preventative steps for families and childcare facilities. These include practising good hygiene by encouraging frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact by keeping symptomatic children at home, and regularly disinfecting toys and shared surfaces. Officials are also advising against the sharing of utensils, cups, and towels.

Centres are encouraged to maintain open communication with parents. “Early childhood centres should immediately inform parents of a case. This reduces anxiety and builds trust. It also allows parents to monitor their children,” the Ministry noted. “Parents should also inform centres, so they can thoroughly clean and sanitise, preventing spread.”

Dr Georges urged parents to monitor children for early signs of HFMD and to seek medical attention if symptoms appear. “The Chief Medical Officer is imploring the public to take the outbreak seriously and parents to follow their physician’s advice and keep infected children at home for the recommended time (7-10 days),” the Ministry added.

Daycares are being asked to enforce sick policies by not allowing symptomatic children to attend and to ensure cleaning protocols are strictly followed.

In 2019, the territory recorded a similar outbreak with 59 confirmed cases in five weeks, affecting over 10 daycares, according to public health officials at the time.

Healthcare providers and childcare centres are reminded to report all HFMD cases to the Ministry of Health at [email protected] or by calling 284-468-2285, 2279 or 2572.