Ministry of Health Issues Public Health Alert of Rise in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Cases

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs confirms reports of a rise in cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Saint Lucia. These cases are reported in some preschools and kindergartens around the island and the Ministry is working with these institutions to address the situation and protect the safety of children, staff members and families. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral infection primarily affecting children under the age of 5 years. Some of the key symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease include fever, sore throat, fatigue, painful red spots or sores in the mouth, on the tongue, and inside the cheek; rash or red spots on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes the buttocks and loss of appetite.