Health officials believe that the ongoing surge of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease which is being observed in the territory is linked to the declining strict sanitization practices that would have been enforced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
National Epidemiologist Harmonie Brewley-Massiah explained that one notable piece of evidence to support this theory is the difference in infection patterns and case numbers this time around when compared to the previous year.
Last Thursday, 44 cases were reported across 10 preschools and daycare centres across the territory.
“Last year we did not have that many cases and the reason for that was the strict hygienic measures that we had in place for COVID… so you had people who were regularly sanitising and disinfecting. You had persons who were minding their hand hygiene and because all that kind of weaned now we are seeing the increase in cases again”, she said.
Brewley-Massiah went on to explain, “this is something that is actually being seen in a lot of other countries as well… they have noted that with the weaning of the public health measures in their own countries they have started to see Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease pop up a lot more in their community”.
She noted that despite sanitation measures being ramped up specifically to combat the COVID 19 pandemic in recent years, “these measures that we have been enforcing… all of these things directly protect you against other infections and contagious diseases as well so it’s not just COVID you have to worry about, it is other diseases that are spread through this type of pathway that we have to be mindful of”.
Hand, Foot and Mouth disease is spread through coughing, sneezing, contact with the feces of an infected person, or contact with a contaminated surface.
Symptoms include fever, itching, sore throat, reduced appetite and a general feeling of being unwell.
The onset of a rash consisting of small red spots or blisters may appear on the soles of the feet, palms or the hands, or inside of the mouth within two days of the onset of other symptoms.
Healthcare providers and educational institutions have been urged to increase their vigilance and to immediately report any suspected cases of the disease to the Ministry of Health at 468-2281 or 468-2285.