Parents in KwaZulu-Natal are being urged to closely monitor their children for symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) following confirmed cases at two schools in Phoenix, north of Durban.
Grandmore Primary and Lenham Primary schools have issued official warnings to parents, advising them to be vigilant for signs of the disease. HFMD, a common viral infection among young children, causes painful sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet.
The disease is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva or mucus. Symptoms typically include fever, sore throat, irritability, and a loss of appetite.
Vee Gani, chairperson of the Parents Association in the province, has urged parents not to panic but to exercise caution. "If your children are unwell, it’s best not to send them to school," Gani advised. "Consult a doctor to have them examined. If the doctor diagnoses HFMD, follow their guidance and take necessary precautions."
Gani stressed that sending sick children to school could pose a risk to others, including classmates, teachers, and school staff. The key, she says, is to seek medical advice and ensure that any symptoms are checked promptly.