Six schoolchildren have contracted the hand, foot and mouth disease, a common viral illness, but there is no cause for concern, according to health promotion director Charmaine Gauci.
She pointed out that the disease had nothing to do with the infamous foot and mouth disease, which only affected cattle.
Since the hand, foot and mouth disease was viral, antibiotics were not indicated, she added.
The health authorities were aware of the cases and took the necessary measures to limit spread, Dr Gauci said. Concerned parents contacted The Times saying there was an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in their child’s school.
However, Dr Gauci insisted there was no need for alarm and explained that this was a common illness among young children.
The health authorities said the three primary schools involved were provided with the necessary information on what to do to prevent the disease from spreading.
Information leaflets were distributed to all parents by the authorities whose children attended the same class where there were confirmed cases. It was also important not to attend school when ill – just like when suffering from a common cold or flu – until it passed, Dr Gauci said.
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