The Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS) of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) wishes to inform the public that there has been report of two cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Providenciales over the past weekend. Preliminary investigations by the Public Health Team revealed a possible cluster of cases at a particular school. As a part of standard procedures for mitigation of a possible outbreak and out of an abundance of caution, deep cleaning at the school was recommended in addition to the provision of additional advice to the institution.
Primary Health has embarked on an enhanced surveillance and education campaign to ensure that suspected cases be identified as quickly as possible and schools and daycare facilities are educated on proper implementation of prevention and hygienic measures (e.g. hand washing).
HFMD is a contagious viral illness that primarily affects infants and children younger than 5 years old. It is transmitted by direct contact with nasal secretions (droplets produced by coughing or sneezing), saliva, fluid from blisters and stool of infected individuals. It can also be spread through touching objects and surfaces that have the virus on them, like doorknobs or toys, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. HFMD is most prevalent in child care settings due to frequent contact with soiled diapers and children putting their hands in their mouths where it can spread easily. HFMD occasionally occurs in adolescents and adults.
Symptoms include some or all of the following; painful sores in the mouth, rashes on the hands and feet which may be associated with blisters, fever, headache, feeling generally unwell or irritable, runny nose, and/or sore throat. It is mostly a mild and self-limiting illness lasting for a few days.
However, there are more severe, albeit uncommon, forms of the disease which are associated with neurological complications as a result of meningitis (associated with fever, headache, and neck stiffness) and encephalitis (resulting in paralysis). Affected persons can sometimes be contagious for days or weeks after the symptoms have ended.
There is no specific treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Symptoms are controlled by the use of paracetamol (Panadol or Tylenol) for fever and pain relief and is often all that is necessary. In some cases, HFMD can cause a sore mouth and throat, which makes it difficult to swallow. It is therefore important to maintain adequate fluid intake to avoid dehydration that could result in hospitalization. Symptoms usually resolve within ten days.
Persons with suspected HFMD should abstain from school and report to a healthcare provider to obtain guidance, including when to return to work, school or daycare.
The MOHHS will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as appropriate.
