The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has raised concerns over a growing outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), particularly in primary schools and daycare centres. With 117 infections recorded in children aged three to thirteen years, authorities are urging schools, parents, and caregivers to prioritise hygiene and preventive measures to curb further spread.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in KwaZulu-Natal
HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects young children. The recent surge in infections in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in Durban schools, has prompted officials to call for strict adherence to hygiene practices.
Babongile Mhlongo, the Department of Health’s Communicable Disease Control Director, has advised parents, teachers, and caregivers to maintain high standards of cleanliness similar to those practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Precautionary Measures Recommended by the KZN Health Department:
- Frequent hand washing with soap and water
- Regular sanitisation of surfaces, toys, and learning materials
- Encouraging children to avoid touching their faces
- Minimising direct contact between infected and healthy individuals
- Isolating sick children until they fully recover
Mhlongo also urged schools to ensure that learners are sanitised regularly, reducing the risk of further outbreaks.
What Are the Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
HFMD is often confused with foot-and-mouth disease, which affects animals. However, it is a different virus that exclusively affects humans.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever and flu-like symptoms
- Painful sores inside the mouth, on the tongue, and gums
- A red rash with blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability in young children
- Sore throat and excessive drooling (in infants)
What Should Parents Do If Their Child Has Symptoms?
If a child shows signs of HFMD, parents are advised to:
- Visit a local clinic or doctor for medical advice.
- Keep the child at home to prevent spreading the infection.
- Ensure proper hydration as mouth sores can make drinking painful.
- Give pain relief medication as recommended by a doctor.
- Practice good hygiene to avoid spreading the virus to other family members.
How Does HFMD Spread?
HFMD is highly contagious and spreads through:
- Direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, mucus, or fluid from blisters.
- Touching contaminated surfaces like desks, toys, and doorknobs.
- Sharing food, utensils, or cups with an infected individual.
- Coughing and sneezing, which releases virus particles into the air.
Children in crowded environments like daycare centres and primary schools are at higher risk of infection due to frequent close contact with others.
Why Hygiene Measures Are Crucial
Since there is no specific treatment or vaccine for HFMD, the best way to control its spread is by maintaining strict hygiene practices. The KZN Department of Health strongly advises schools and daycare centres to reinforce hygiene education, just as they did during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Important preventive steps include:
- Sanitising hands regularly
- Disinfecting surfaces and toys frequently
- Teaching children to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Encouraging sick children to stay home until they recover
Other Health Concerns in South Africa: Malaria Cases Reported in Limpopo
In addition to HFMD, the Limpopo Department of Health has reported three malaria cases between 2024 and 2025. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause serious illness if left untreated.
Malaria Prevention Tips:
- Use mosquito repellents
- Sleep under mosquito nets
- Wear long-sleeved clothing in mosquito-prone areas
- Drain stagnant water where mosquitoes breed
- Seek medical help if experiencing fever, chills, and headaches
Final Thoughts
With the increase in HFMD cases among young children in KwaZulu-Natal, it is crucial for parents, schools, and caregivers to take proactive measures in hygiene and safety. Early detection, proper hygiene, and isolation of infected individuals can help reduce the spread of the disease.
Additionally, residents in Limpopo and other malaria-prone areas should remain vigilant against mosquito bites to avoid malaria infections.
By following these precautionary measures, both HFMD and malaria outbreaks can be controlled effectively.
Related: National HPV Vaccination Campaign: Protecting Young Girls from Cervical Cancer
