The Virgin Islands Health Department is alerting the public to an outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) on St. Thomas, with 46 cases reported in day cares and schools as of Friday.
The highly contagious illness, most common in children under five, spreads easily in group settings and typically causes fever, mouth sores, and a skin rash, according to the press release.
“We are urging residents to take precautionary measures to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus,” Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said. “Parents and caregivers should be especially vigilant in practicing good hygiene, in monitoring their children for symptoms and keeping them at home if they are ill.”
HFMD is transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking, as well as by touching contaminated surfaces or coming into contact with fluid from blisters or stool. While most children recover within seven to 10 days with mild symptoms, the Health Department advises keeping children home if they have a fever, rash, or blisters. According to Encarnacion, children should remain home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and their rash or blisters have dried, the press release stated.
The department’s Epidemiology Division is providing phone consultations and in-person visits to affected schools and day cares, offering infection control training to curb the spread. Though there is no specific treatment for HFMD, health officials recommend rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relievers to manage symptoms, the release stated.
To prevent further infections, the Health Department advises frequent handwashing, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces with a bleach solution, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. Despite the outbreak, school closures are not being recommended, it said.
“The V.I. Department of Health is not recommending school closures for HFMD,” said Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis. “Instead, we recommend enhanced hand hygiene protocols and environmental cleaning efforts for all schools and child care settings.”
The department continues to monitor the outbreak and urges schools and providers to report cases by emailing epi@doh.vi.gov.
Residents experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider. More information is available on the CDC’s HFMD page.
