Ministry of Health disseminates prevention measures in cases of hand, foot and mouth syndrome – Ministry of Public Health

2023-06-30 22:44:34

Machala, June 30, 2023

After the alarm presented in recent days among parents and teachers of educational establishments in the city of Machala due to the increase in cases of hand, foot and mouth syndrome, the district health director, Priscilla Hurtado, together with the surveillance team epidemiological socialized with public and private teachers the recommendations to resolve doubts.

This disease is affecting children from 0 to 5 years old but it also occurs in children older than 5 and even in adults, including some teachers, with an incubation period of three to six days, disappearing between the seventh and tenth day.

According to the district authority, an approach is being made with 154 educational establishments to establish direct communication and define prevention and protection measures for children who are already infected, urging teachers and kindergartens to verify if any child has this symptomatology. such as fever, malaise, sore throat, skin rashes, sores or vesicles that appear on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

When identifying a possible case, the teacher must communicate with the parent so that they can withdraw their child and not go to class so that the disease can take place at home.

If there are more children in the family environment, it is recommended that they remain isolated under the care of an older person to avoid infecting others. The virus is highly contagious but does not cause death or disability.

Hurtado indicates that it is a virus of sudden appearance and likewise disappears. “Being a disease that does not require mandatory notification in the MSP, these patients arrive at the health center, are treated and the respective days of rest are assigned, in addition to the corresponding medication.”

The professional emphasized consecutive hand washing, hygiene at work tables and spaces where diapers are changed. It is recommended that each child use their own tableware as well as their toiletries such as towels or clothes.