Westmoreland Parents, Schools Urged to Look Out For HFMD

With students back in the physical classroom, the Westmoreland health department is urging parents and school administrators to keep an eye out for symptoms of the very contagious hand, foot, and mouth disease that surfaces from time to time. 

According to the parish health promotion and Education Officer, Gerald Miller, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Westmoreland but cases have been detected in several communities since October. He said who says educational institutions have been alerted. 

HFMD is a contagious viral infection common in children under 5 years old, but older children and adults can also contract it.  Common symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, sore throat, and a feeling of being unwell. These usually last 1-2 days before painful mouth sores and a rash on the hands and feet develop; the rash may blister, but won’t itch. 

Miller stresses that the COVID-19 safety protocols are critical in preventing the spread of HFMD in the parish. 

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