Major Stories

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. 

More details in this report:

Recent Posts

⁩ 8 PEOPLE ARRESTED IN ILLEGAL SLAUGHTERHOUSE MATTER

An illegal slaughterhouse was uncovered at Big Lane, Central Village, St. Catherine, around 7 AM…

2 days ago

Government Wins Appeal in Court Ruling on Paula Llewellyn’s Tenure

The Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of the government regarding the tenure of…

2 days ago

FLOW Reports Major Vandalism of Fibre Cables in Half-Way Tree

Flow Jamaica is reporting severe vandalism that has disrupted services for numerous customers in the…

2 weeks ago

CHEC Selected As Main Contractor for Multi-Billion Dollar SPARK Programme

The Government of Jamaica has signed $36 billion in road network contracts and announced an…

2 weeks ago

Indecom to Offer Oversight in Mas Camp Incident Allegedly Including Off-Duty Police

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) will provide oversight regarding the Mas Camp incident, which…

3 weeks ago

New Integrity Commission Reports Reach Parliament

The Integrity Commission has submitted an investigation report and an indicative ruling from its director…

3 weeks ago