No hand, foot and mouth at ASJA Primary, says ministry

There is no evidence of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) at ASJA Primary School at Park Street, San Fernando, said the Education Ministry in a media release today.

On Wednesday, parents of pupils complained that a number of children were vomiting and experiencing diarrhoea. Because of the suspected outbreak, classes ended early.

Over the weekend, staff of the public health unit of the San Fernando City Corporation visited the school and helped with clean-up efforts.

This morning public health inspectors also visited the school and the ministry said classes resumed as normal as the officials found no evidence of the disease.

"They have expressed satisfaction that the school was properly cleaned and sanitised and there is no threat to the health of students and teachers," the release said.

The releases said that Ministry promptly engaged the public health officials last week to assist with the cleaning and sanitising of the compound due to parents’ claim of the suspected outbreak.

"Public health officials held a meeting with parents at the school on Friday and assured them there is no evidence of an outbreak of the disease and it was not necessary to close the school," the release said.

According to the World Health Organisation, HFMD is a common infectious disease that occurs most often in children but can also occur in adolescents and occasionally in adults. In most cases, the disease is mild and self-limiting, with common symptoms including fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet and buttocks.