Botswana Reports Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease with 50 Cases
Botswana’s Ministry of Health reported 50 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, affecting mostly children under five in Gaborone and Francistown. The disease is highly contagious but typically mild and manageable. The ministry advises the public to follow hygiene measures and will monitor the situation closely.
Botswana’s Ministry of Health has reported an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), with 50 cases identified nationwide. Christopher Nyanga, the ministry’s permanent secretary, disclosed that the outbreak primarily affects children under five years and has so far been contained within the cities of Gaborone and Francistown.
The ministry has noted that the symptoms associated with HFMD include fever, sore throat, and a rash with blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. Nyanga emphasized that the disease is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, nasal secretions, blister fluid, or faeces, stating, “It can be highly contagious in settings like schools and daycare centres.”
Despite these concerns, Nyanga reassured the public that the situation remains manageable, indicating that HFMD is generally mild and self-limiting, typically resolving within 7 to 10 days without complications. Most children recover fully without lasting impacts.
To mitigate the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Health has advised the public to adhere to basic hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and cleaning of surfaces. Furthermore, they will continue to monitor the outbreak and provide updates to the public as necessary.
The Ministry of Health in Botswana has acknowledged a recent outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease, affirming that, despite the 50 cases reported, the overall situation is manageable. With proper hygiene measures, the spread can be curtailed, and most affected children will recover without lasting health issues. Continuous monitoring will be conducted by the ministry to keep the public informed.
Original Source: www.mmegi.bw
