Health officials close Waldensia Primary and Infant School due to cases of hand foot and mouth disease

The Waldensia Primary and Infant School in Sherwood Content in Trelawny was ordered closed by Ministry of Health officials today due to an outbreak of the hand foot and mouth disease.

The order was made as a result of eight students in the Infant Department coming down with the illness. The closure was confirmed by a person with intimate association with the school.

Principal Nicola Ottey-Anderson refused to address The STAR on the closure.

"I report to my Chairman and the Ministry of Education. Go back to where you got your news from and get whatever information you need," she instructed bluntly.

Fabian Wainwright an Education Officer informed us that, "the closure is usually for a one day deep cleaning exercise. After that things should get back to normal."

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a contagious illness caused by several viruses, primarily affecting infants and children under five, although adults are also susceptible.

Symptoms include fever, mouth sores and rashes on the hands and feet. The disease spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and the faecal-oral route.

We want to hear from you! Email us at star@gleanerjm.com and follow @thejamaicastar on Instagram and on X @JamaicaStar and on Facebook: @TheJamaicaStar