Authorities are on high alert after a suspected outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease at a Free State nursery school. (Jikaboom/Getty Images)
- A suspected outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease has been recorded in the Free State.
- The cases appear to stem from a nursery school in Bloemfontein.
- Authorities are in the process of tracing affected children.
Authorities are on high alert after a suspected outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease at a Free State nursery school.
The provincial health department said that the suspected outbreak had been recorded at a school in Bloemfontein.
It is unclear how many children may be affected by the outbreak.
“This is a viral illness that affects children under the age of five. The symptoms include fever, sore throat, painful sores or blisters in the mouth, rash on the hands, feet and sometimes buttocks,” the department said.
The disease is highly contagious and can be spread through close contact with infected persons, saliva, and faeces.
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Measures to avoid being infected include washing hands, keeping a distance from infected persons and ensuring children are adequately hydrated.
“Usually, the disease disappears after a week unless in cases of complications. Those with suspected symptoms are advised to seek medical attention,” the department added.
“The department has activated the Mangaung Metro Health District Outbreak Response Team for surveillance, tracking and tracing of the affected children.”
