There are currently 66 confirmed cases of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronald Georges has urged the public to take the Hand Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak seriously. Photo: GIS/File

Parents and caregivers have been urged to follow preventative steps to curb the spread of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. Photo: WHO

In a press release on Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Ministry of Health and Social Development revealed that currently 66 cases have been identified of the disease that primarily affects children at early childhood learning centres and pre-primary schools. 

In confirming the information, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ronald E. Georges said, “To mitigate spread, the Public Health Unit has implemented several key interventions such as enhanced surveillance, an increase in health inspections, public awareness and support for daycares and schools.”

Signs & Symptoms

The release also sought to remind the public, especially parents and caregivers that HFMD is a highly contagious viral illness spread through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, respiratory droplets, blister fluid, or stool. HFMD can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces or objects such as toys, doorknobs, and shared utensils.         

Symptoms typically present with fever, sore throat, painful ulcers in the mouth, skin rash on hands, feet or buttocks, decreased appetite, irritability, and a general feeling of discomfort and fatigue.

Dr Georges therefore advised parents and caregivers to “be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread by adhering to the guidance offered by public health.”

Preventative steps

The Ministry of Health and Social Development urges parents and caregivers to follow the following preventative steps to curb the spread of HFMD. 

1. Practice Good Hygiene: Encourage children and adults to wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
2. Avoid Close Contact: If a child is showing symptoms, keep them at home to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. Early childhood centres (daycares and nurseries) must also enforce their sick policies.
3. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean toys, shared surfaces, and other frequently touched areas with disinfectant, particularly in daycare or school settings.
4. Limit Sharing Items: Discourage the sharing of eating utensils, cups, towels, and other personal items that could spread the virus.
5. Have transparent communication: Early childhood centres should immediately inform parents of a case. This reduces anxiety and builds trust. It also allows parents to monitor their children. Parents should also inform centers, so they can thoroughly clean and sanitize preventing spread.
6. Monitor for Symptoms: Parents should monitor children for early symptoms of HFMD, especially if they've been in close contact with someone who is ill.
7. Seek Medical Attention: If you notice the above symptoms, especially the appearance of the rash, please see your physician.

Take outbreak seriously

Mr Georges also urged the public to take the outbreak seriously and cautioned parents to follow their physician’s advice and keep infected children at home for the recommended time of 7 to 10 days.

Daycares are also being asked to enforce sick policies by not allowing symptomatic children to attend and ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection of shared spaces and toys.

These centres and healthcare providers should report HFMD cases to the Ministry of Health via email at phu@gov.vg or 284-468-2285/2279/2572.