NICD Assures Public in South Africa That Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in KwaZulu-Natal is Under Control Despite Rising Cases

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has reassured the public that there’s no need to panic about the recent outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in South Africa.

According to their statement, the situation is under control, despite a rise in cases.

How the Outbreak Started and Where It’s Happening

The outbreak began in early February 2025 in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in the northern parts of the province, with the first confirmed cases in schools located in the Phoenix area of Durban.

As of now, the number of reported cases has reached 195, leading health officials to urge calm among the public.

The NICD and the provincial health department are working together closely to monitor the situation and ensure proper support is in place to prevent further spread of the disease.

What Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?

HFMD is a viral infection primarily affecting infants and children, especially those under the age of 10.

It is caused by enteroviruses and typically occurs during the summer and autumn months. Outbreaks are most common in places where children gather, like schools, crèches, and daycare centers.

The disease can spread from person to person, as well as through contaminated objects and faeces.

While the infection is mostly mild, it’s important to be aware of its symptoms and take necessary precautions.

Key Symptoms to Look Out For

While the NICD assures that the outbreak is under control, they’ve advised vigilance.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to watch for the common symptoms of HFMD in their children.

These symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Small blisters on the inside of the mouth, sides of the tongue, and the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

In some cases, a small number of individuals may need to be hospitalized for treatment if complications arise.

If a child or adult experiences severe symptoms, they are advised to visit the nearest healthcare facility for immediate care.

What to Do If Your Child Shows Symptoms

The good news is that most people recover from HFMD without needing medication.

The symptoms typically disappear within 7 to 10 days.

However, to prevent spreading the disease further, parents are encouraged to keep children who are showing symptoms at home until they’ve fully recovered.

Ongoing Monitoring and Vigilance

Although Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is not classified as a notifiable condition, the health department remains on high alert.

They continue to monitor the situation in KwaZulu-Natal and will be watching for any potential outbreaks in other parts of the country.

The NICD and health officials are working hard to contain the spread and ensure that the public stays informed.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!