Health Authorities Urge Durban Residents to Follow Covid-19 Hygiene Measures Amid HFMD Outbreak

Durban is currently grappling with an outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), prompting health authorities to urge residents to adhere to strict hygiene protocols. The virus has spread across the city, with confirmed cases reported in Umhlanga, Phoenix, and Greenwood Park, among other areas.

By midday yesterday, at least 36 cases had been recorded across primary schools and daycare centres in the northern parts of Durban, according to the provincial Health Department. Allingham Primary and Whetstone Primary in Phoenix confirmed infections among their students, including a Grade R pupil and his Grade 1 sibling at Whetstone.

Health Officials Stress Hygiene and Precautions

Babongile Mhlongo, provincial director for Environmental Health and Communicable Disease Control, emphasized the importance of maintaining proper hygiene to curb the spread of HFMD, particularly in educational settings.

“So educators really need to ensure that there’s good hygiene because it’s a contact-based infection. Hands should be regularly washed, and children should avoid sharing utensils such as cutlery, cups, and toothbrushes. Surfaces and shared items, like toys, need to be cleaned frequently. We’re essentially going back to what we did during COVID-19, where handwashing was crucial,” Mhlongo stated.

She added that while children with mild symptoms could still attend school, those who developed blisters should remain at home for three to five days.

Parents Share Their Experiences

For some parents, the outbreak has been particularly distressing. Cridin Sathyamargum, whose two-year-old daughter Shiloh was hospitalized, described the ordeal as “harrowing.”

“I thought I was going to lose my child. It was very, very emotional,” he shared. Initially, they mistook her symptoms for the flu, but when blisters appeared and worsened, they rushed her to the hospital, where she was placed in isolation. Shiloh was discharged on Thursday after several days of treatment.

Seelan Nair, another concerned parent, recalled his son’s rapid deterioration.

“Last Friday, he had an earache. By Saturday, he couldn’t eat, and by Sunday, we rushed him to the doctor. That’s when we noticed the blisters. While we were at the doctor’s, parents from the creche called us to say their children were also being admitted,” said Nair.

A Morningside mother, who preferred to remain anonymous, said one of her two-year-old twin boys had contracted HFMD.

“All his sores have turned into blisters and are now popping, so he’s in discomfort. They just started play school and are always touching everything. It’s tough to control,” she said.

Authorities Call for Calm and Vigilance

Ntokozo Maphisa from the provincial Health Department acknowledged concerns over rising infections but reassured the public that there was no need to panic.

“We urge parents to ensure that children do not have direct contact with infected individuals. Those with severe symptoms or complications should visit the nearest healthcare facility. Symptomatic learners should stay home until they recover,” said Maphisa.

Similarly, eThekwini Municipality called for calm, confirming six cases at a Phoenix school among children in Grades 1, 2, and 3.

Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana reassured residents that the situation was under control, with the city’s Area-Based Outbreak Response Team closely monitoring developments.

“HFMD is a common illness among infants and young children, typically occurring in small outbreaks during summer and autumn. It should not be confused with Foot and Mouth Disease, which affects animals. The virus spreads through contact with the mouth, nose, and eyes, with symptoms appearing three to six days after exposure and lasting up to 10 days,” Sisilana explained.

Parents are advised to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if their children exhibit symptoms. The public is urged to continue practicing good hygiene to prevent further transmission of the virus.