Grenada reports outbreak of hand-foot-and-mouth disease

The Ministry of Health of Grenada on Thursday confirmed outbreaks of hand-foot-and-mouth disease at several local daycares and primary schools, according to reports from the capital St. George's.

Noticing a similar epidemic of the disease among toddlers in the country last year, the ministry defined the current outbreaks as "mild" and "spontaneous" with about a dozen reported cases.

Public health teams are gathering information, while education as well as direct intervention at schools will be main focus going forward, according to a release from the ministry on Thursday.

The release said while no decision has been made to close any facility, the health authorities reminded parents and operators of daycares and kindergartens of taking effective measures to prevent and manage the disease.

Chief Medical Officer George Mitchell said that health officials have been in touch with early childhood development centers and schools where reports emanated.

Educational and information brochures related to the disease are being distributed in both electronic and print formats to various institutions, according to Mitchell.

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a contagious viral infection commonly seen among infants and children. It usually causes fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet. Most infected patients recover in a week or two.

The disease is endemic and legally notifiable in Grenada. The Ministry of Health stresses that all medical practitioners, childcare centers, kindergartens and schools with outbreak must notify the authorities. Endi