Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Marion Bullock DuCasse says school administrators can request assistance from the health departments in their respective parishes if they believe that they may have a case of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in their school.
Dr. DuCasse says the Ministry of Health is providing information on the disease so that parents and schools are equipped to take the required actions to reduce the spread of the virus.
“We are asking parents to keep infected children at home for at least seven days as this disease is highly contagious. School administrators can regularly clean and disinfect areas especially places where young children frequent,” she said.
Children usually become infected with the virus from other children through close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing cups and eating utensils, contact with faeces as well as other contaminated objects and surfaces. There is no vaccine to prevent the disease. However, simple steps like regular hand washing and practicing good hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection.
Individuals who wish to obtain more information on Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease may call the Ministry of Health or their parish health department. Persons may also visit our website at moh.gov.jm and like and follow us on www.facebook.com/themohgovjm; https://twitter.com/themohgovjm; https://instagram.com/themohgovjm.