Be vigilant! 8 suspected cases of HFMD reported locally

The Environmental Health Division is heightening surveillance of early childhood centres across the Virgin Islands following the report of eight suspected cases of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) locally.

Chief Environmental Health Officer Lionel Michael encourages owners and teachers at early childhood centers, including parents, to be watchful for any HFMD symptoms, and to help curb the spread of the disease by implementing safety practices including washing hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers. Adults should help young children do the same.

The Environmental Health Division has identified various contributing factors to the spread of the contagious and infectious diseases like HFMD through inspections and investigations.

Those contributing factors include poor personal hygiene, poor cleaning, and disinfection (Improper Infection Control), overcrowding, and non-adherence to Sick Policy.

Michael said that in addition to inspections, the department conducts teacher trainings to help curb the spread of infectious diseases. The division, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, conducts the trainings that focus on personal hygiene, child safety, infection control and food hygiene.