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44 cases of Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease confirmed in 10 VI schools, daycares

- Case numbers forecasted to increase as disease is highly contagious
Virgin Islands (VI) National Epidemiologist Ms. Harmonie Brewley-Massiah has confirmed 44 cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) across 10 preschools and daycare centres in the Territory. Photo: Internet Source
While Ms. Harmony Brewley-Massiah said HFMD is generally mild, it remains a very contagious viral disease that is most common in childcare settings on a seasonal basis. Photo: GIS/File
While Ms. Harmony Brewley-Massiah said HFMD is generally mild, it remains a very contagious viral disease that is most common in childcare settings on a seasonal basis. Photo: GIS/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Virgin Islands (VI) National Epidemiologist Ms Harmonie Brewley-Massiah has confirmed 44 cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) across 10 preschools and daycare centres in the territory.

While Ms Brewley-Massiah said HFMD is generally mild, it remains a very contagious viral disease that is most common in childcare settings on a seasonal basis, according to a release from Government Information Services (GIS) on August 25, 2022.

She said that it is expected that the case numbers will continue to increase as investigations continue.

“Proper hand washing, disinfection, and sanitisation is needed to minimise the risk of contracting or spreading Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease,” Ms Brewley-Massiah said.

Educational institutions asked to increase vigilance 

“We are also asking that all health-care providers and educational institutions increase their vigilance and to immediately report any suspected cases of the disease to the Ministry of Health at telephone numbers 468-2281 or 468-2285,” she added.

According to the Ministry of Health, HFMD is spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and contact with infected feces through the changing of diapers or touching surfaces or objects which have been contaminated with the virus. Symptoms usually begin with a fever, itching, sore throat, reduced appetite and a general feeling of being unwell. Within two days of the onset of symptoms, a rash consisting of small red spots or blisters may appear on the soles of the feet, palms of the hands or inside the mouth.

The Ministry warned that persons should avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and disinfect surfaces and objects, such as toys and doorknobs and should also avoid close contact such as hugging, kissing and sharing eating utensils with persons who are infected with the disease.

9 Responses to “44 cases of Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease confirmed in 10 VI schools, daycares”

  • ?? (25/08/2022, 22:26) Like (2) Dislike (11) Reply
    Sure its not coming from gay parents??
    • Virgin Islander (26/08/2022, 10:34) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply

      You're so @#%& homophobic it ain't funny. People like you that are always gay people are usually gay but in denial. Get yourself together and acknowledge humans as one set of people whether gay, stray or bisexual.

  • Really (25/08/2022, 22:36) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    Only brainwash people don't understand. All vaccines are mRNA/RNA now with live nanobots in the vaccines. Revelation no ones should take any pharmaceutical medicine in the last day which is agenda 21. Trust your natural immune system that the Almighty Creator gave you. I never seen so many deaths all over the world especially in kids ,infants , young adults and teens WOW. Stop pumping things in your veins that's the blood stream and it shouldn't be tempered with
  • Covid-19 Protocols (25/08/2022, 22:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    While I know that this is not Covid-19 and that this disease is very contagious, is there a way to ensure that daycares and preschools are adhering to strict(er) protocols like those enforced due to Covid-19 to help to curb the number of transmissions…? For example, no sharing of beds/items, limited/monitored play areas, consistent disinfecting etc. (Just a thought.)
  • BREAKING NEWS (25/08/2022, 23:32) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    What about covid? this dude Smurf is running a cover up
  • Agent of bad news.. (26/08/2022, 06:42) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Seems to me like bad news and hoping up alleged diseases is their measuring stick of doing a good Job... Boss you are not doing a good Job....You all playing smart. You are laying the ground work plant the seed for more vaccination...ain going to work...
  • we need to do better for our kids (26/08/2022, 09:38) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    hand foot and mouth is more rampant within pre-schools and day cares these teaches need to practice better hygiene practices when dealing with multiple children. Parents also need to be vigilant when their child is sick and instead of sending them to school to infect others KEEP THEM HOME!! also because this is on the rise every afternoon schools need to do a thorough wipe down and on weekends do a deep cleaning.

    • The Observer (27/08/2022, 13:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You make a strong point but that's not gonna happen. My child comes home everytime with the cold that she always seems to catch from another kid. It's crazy. When my kids show any signs of the cold I do not go in to work. I stay home with them. Can I afford to? Of course not. But I think that I don't want my kids to be responsible for others getting sick.
      Clearly some...a lot of parents don't see it that way.
  • WEW (26/08/2022, 12:51) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    CLEAN THIS PLACE UP !! Burning dumps,sewage in the streets, sewage pumped directly into the sea. SO TURD WORLD. No wonder people get ill


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