Health Alert Issued for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Holguín Children

Health authorities in Holguín have issued a warning regarding the emergence of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) among children attending daycare centers and primary schools. This childhood illness is characterized by high fever, respiratory symptoms, and skin lesions with blisters or vesicles, along with loss of appetite and throat pain.

The local newspaper Ahora has acknowledged reports of HFMD cases in several institutions. The disease is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route but can also be transmitted via contaminated objects. Therefore, parents are advised to keep their children at home and seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.

Yanelis Calviño Vega, head of surveillance at the Provincial Health Directorate, explained that the virus can be contracted if someone coughs or sneezes nearby or through contact with blisters. Hence, maintaining strict personal hygiene, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, is crucial.

The specialist in Hygiene and Epidemiology stated that the virus has an incubation period of four to six days, and patients typically recover within seven to ten days. It is recommended to provide children with their preferred foods, plenty of fluids, and analgesics to manage fever and discomfort.

Calviño Vega noted that rashes could also appear on other parts of the body such as the knees, elbows, buttocks, and genitals, but the mouth sores are the most troublesome, often causing children to refuse all types of food, including water.

She added that during the hot months, it is essential to drink plenty of water, even without feeling thirsty, avoid sun exposure between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm, and wear loose, light-colored clothing.

"Children, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, or bedridden individuals are more susceptible to high temperatures, so they need extra protection. Homes should be kept open in the morning and evening for ventilation," Calviño Vega concluded.