South Africa Urges Calm Amid Growing HFMD Outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal

🚨 South Africa's Department of Health (DoH) is calling for calm as hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases rise in KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Since early February, the province has seen an increase from 6 initial cases to 168, mainly around Durban. But don't worry! The DoH assures that the situation is under control and there's no serious public health threat at this time.

👶 HFMD mainly affects children under 10, presenting symptoms like fever, sore throat, tiredness, loss of appetite, and small blisters on the mouth, tongue, hands, and feet. While it's uncommon in adults, those with weaker immune systems might be at risk.

The infection usually clears up on its own within a week, but severe cases may need hospitalization. Parents are encouraged to keep symptomatic children at home to prevent further spread.

🧼 Good hygiene is key! Regular hand-washing, covering your mouth when coughing, cleaning surfaces, and not sharing utensils or stationery can help contain the disease.

HFMD spreads through direct contact, droplets from an infected person, or contaminated objects. Typically, outbreaks occur in schools, daycare centers, and similar environments, especially during summer and autumn.