Hand, Foot and Mouth disease detected in the North East
North West District Council has warned parents to be cautious and keep a close eye on their children following confirmed cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in the area.
This follows similar outbreaks reported earlier this year in preschools across Gaborone and Francistown.
Addressing a full council meeting in Maun on Monday, Chairperson, Itumeleng Kelebetseng revealed the district has recorded six incidents of HFMD so far.
Three of the suspected cases were identified in Disaneng, while one child was treated as an outpatient.
HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by a blister-like rash on the hands and feet and painful sores inside the mouth. Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, and a rash with blisters. The disease is most common in infants and children under five but can also occur in older children and adults.
It is not related to the ‘foot-and-mouth’ disease that affects livestock but is often mistaken for chicken pox.
Kelebetsng urged the community to remain calm, noting HFMD is typically a mild illness that resolves on its own within 7 to 10 days.
“There is no need for panic,” he said, advising households to practice strict preventative measures to curb the disease’s spread.
“These include frequent hand washing with soap and water, regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, and isolating infected children by keeping them home until the symptoms disappear.”
Meanwhile, the Primary Healthcare team has already initiated health education programs in local preschools, along with surveillance and monitoring efforts across the district.
