Grenada reports minor increase in Coxsackie Virus
Grenada’s Ministry of Health reported a minor increase in cases of Coxsackie Virus, also known as Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD).
Officials are advising parents and managers of childcare centers and kindergartens that frequent handwashing and sanitizing of surfaces and frequently used objects are the most efficient measures to stop the spread of the extremely contagious disease in reaction to the slight increase.
Dr. Shawn Charles, the chief medical officer for Grenada, stated on Tuesday that although the illness is “usually minor,” parents and other caregivers of small children should avoid becoming complacent.
Dr. Charles advised the GIS that it is crucial for administrators of educational institutions and parents to collaborate and take the required safety precautions to stop the virus from spreading by frequently sanitizing surfaces, practicing good hand hygiene, and keeping afflicted (ill) kids at home.
As well as person-to-person interactions at facilities on the island, health professionals from the Ministry’s Community Nursing Department and the Health Promotions Department are in contact with a number of early childhood development centers.
Grenada experiences seasonal outbreaks of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, which are required by law to be reported to the Health Ministry by all doctors, childcare facilities, kindergartens, and schools.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) Profile
Definition & Characteristics: HFMD is a viral infection caused by a group of enteroviruses, most commonly the Coxsackie virus. The incubation period of HFMD is 3 to 7 days (with a range from 2 days to 2 weeks). Both adults and children can be affected, but young children below 5 years old are more susceptible.
How Is It Spread: HFMD, which affects mostly children, is spread via bodily fluids like saliva. HFMD is spread from person to person by direct contact with the nasal discharge, saliva, faeces, and fluids from the rash of an infected person.
A person infected with HFMD is most contagious during the duration of the illness. It is easily transmitted among toddlers, making child development centres like (preschools/day-cares) hot spots for the spread of the disease. HFMD is usually mild and self-limiting.
Although the virus may continue to persist in the stool for several weeks after infection, the person generally becomes much less contagious when the illness resolves. Nonetheless, good personal and environmental hygiene must continue to be maintained.
Symptoms: A child with HFMD may suffer from some of these symptoms: fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers on the inside of the mouth or sides of the tongue, rash (flat or raised spots) or small blisters on palms of hands, soles of feet, and/or buttocks, lethargy, poor appetite, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
Treatment: There is NO specific treatment besides relief of symptoms. Treatment with antibiotics is not effective and is not recommended. There is NO HFMD vaccine currently available.
If you suspect your child to have HFMD, please seek immediate medical attention.
If there are any changes in the child’s normal behaviour, e.g. irritation and sleepiness, refusal to eat/drink, persistent vomiting or drowsiness, bring your child to the Accidents & Emergency Departments or health facility, whichever is nearer.
If your child has HFMD, help to minimise the spread of HFMD to others by:
- Informing your child’s school, kindergarten or childcare centre immediately so they can monitor other children closely and take additional precautions
- Keep your child at home and away from public places and look out for signs and symptoms in other family members
- Having good hygiene practices such as frequent and proper handwashing,g. after going to the toilet and before eating
- Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Not sharing food/drinks, eating utensils, toothbrushes, or towels with others
Properly disinfect articles such as toys, tables, books, doorknobs, or appliances contaminated by nasal or oral secretions.
Tips to ensure that your child is fit for school:
- 1: Check for runny nose and fever (take temperature)
- 2: Check for blisters on hands and arms
- 3: Check for mouth ulcers
- 4: Check for blisters on the soles of feet, legs and/or buttocks
These infection control guidelines are clinically proven.