EAST LONDON- A growing number of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases have been identified, with at least 10 confirmed cases reported in East London.
The affected areas are mainly primary schools and daycare centres in the northern region of the Buffalo City Municipality.
Authorities from the Buffalo City District Health and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality are actively investigating these cases to keep the situation under control.
They are urging the community to remain calm while assuring that vigilant monitoring is in place. School leaders and daycare providers are advised to stay alert.
To ensure the safety of children, environmental health practitioners will be inspecting schools and daycare centres to enforce essential health and hygiene standards.
Facilities that do not meet these requirements may face temporary closure.
This viral infection primarily affects children, causing symptoms such as blisters on the mouth, hands, and feet, along with fever and a sore throat.
It typically takes three to seven days for symptoms to appear after infection, and the illness usually lasts between seven to 10 days.
While the outbreak initially surfaced in KwaZulu-Natal, spreading to over 300 cases, health officials are working to contain the situation.
HFMD should not be confused with Foot and Mouth Disease, which affects animals, not humans.
Stay informed, stay safe, and prioritize hygiene to combat the spread of HFMD.