Increase in cases of Hand Foot and Mouth disease

The Ministry of  Health is reporting a steady rise in cases of  the highly contagious Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. Health Minister Dr. Fenton Ferguson on Friday confirmed the increase  during a joint press conference with his Education counterpart.

According to  Ferguson, the disease has been detected in ten parishes, with no reported cases in Trelawny, Hanover, Manchester and Clarendon.

In his update he said close to 100 schools are affected by the disease.

There are 13 reported cases from 13 schools in Portland and 17 from six schools in St. Ann. In St. Mary, two schools have reported cases. In the western region, Westmoreland and St. James reported nine cases each from four and two schools respectively.  In the southern region, St. Elizabeth reported six cases from two schools.

Taking action

The Health Minister said his ministry will be implementing measures to deal with reported cases of  hand, foot and mouth disease.

He said the Ministry as well as Health Departments will immediately take action when reports are received from schools.

Ferguson added that Health Departments have been conducting investigations and follow up actions in affected schools, working in tandem with the Education Ministry.

Warning from Education Ministry.

The Ministry of Education is again urging parents to desist from sending children to school if  they have symptoms of  hand foot and mouth disease. Education Minister Ronald Thwaites, on Friday said several schools have been ordered closed as cases of  the disease have exceeded 10 percent of  the school population, as well as other factors identified by public health authorities.