Hand Foot and Mouth disease detected in some schools

Despite several schools reporting that students have been turning up with Hand, Foot and Mouth disease, the government is adamant that there is no outbreak.

The education ministry said it has received isolated reports of cases of disease. It said that having made contact with the health ministry, it has been told that there is no general outbreak of the disease.

According to the education ministry, "surveillance data indicate that there is no unusual number of cases in any area in the island." Nonetheless, the ministry said that it is urging schools administrators to take every precaution to prevent the spread of the disease.

A contagious viral infection common in young children, Hand, Foot and Mouth disease is characterised by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Doctors say that while anyone can get the disease, children under age 10 are most likely to catch it.