Authorities are on high alert after a suspected outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease at a nursery school in the Free State. (Jikaboom/Getty Images)
- A suspected outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease has been declared in the Free State.
- The cases appear to have originated from a nursery school in Bloemfontein.
- Authorities are working to locate the affected children.
Authorities are on high alert following a suspected outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease at a nursery school in the Free State.
According to the provincial health department, the suspected outbreak was identified at a school in Bloemfontein.
It is unclear how many children are affected by the outbreak.
“This is a viral illness that affects children under the age of five. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, painful sores or blisters in the mouth, rash on the hands, feet and sometimes buttocks,” the department said.
The disease is highly contagious and can be spread through close contact with infected persons, saliva and feces.
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Measures to prevent infection include washing hands, keeping distance from infected people and ensuring that children are adequately hydrated.
“Usually the disease disappears after a week, unless complications occur. People with suspected symptoms are advised to seek medical attention,” the department added.
“The department has deployed the Mangaung Metro Health District Outbreak Response Team for surveillance, tracking and tracing of the affected children.”
Nicole McCain
www.news24.com
