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By Nakinskie Robinson
The St. Catherine Health Department says several schools in St. Catherine have reported cases of hand, foot and mouth disease.
In response, Denece Douglas, Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector, says the department has singled out two areas in the parish where there is a high incidence rate.
"We have targeted interventions taking place, particularly in those areas where we are noting the most reports of cases, that would be Linstead and Spanish Town," she told a meeting of the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation on Thursday.
Less than two weeks ago, the Western Regional Health Authority stressed the need for increased vigilance following a surge in hand, foot and mouth disease cases across the Caribbean.
The disease, which primarily affects infants and children under five, can also affect adults.
It is contagious and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and the faecal-oral route.
Symptoms include fever, mouth sores and rashes on the hands and feet.
From January to late October, 318 cases were reported, representing a 106.5 per cent jump from the 154 cases reported over the similar period last year.
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