Kingstown, St. Vincent, May 8, 2026 – The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environmental Health, and Energy has issued a public advisory following an increase in confirmed cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in pre-educational institutions across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the Ministry acknowledged growing concern among parents and early childhood educators as more children are being diagnosed with the viral illness.
HFMD is a common viral infection that primarily affects infants and children under the age of five. According to the Ministry, the disease has an incubation period of approximately three to six days and is most contagious during the first week of illness. However, the virus can continue to spread through stool for several weeks after symptoms appear.
Health officials explained that the disease can be transmitted through close personal contact, respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, contact with feces during diaper changing, and touching contaminated surfaces such as toys, tables, and doorknobs.
Symptoms of HFMD often begin with fever, sore throat, reduced appetite, and general fatigue. Within days, painful sores may develop in the mouth, followed by a rash on the hands and feet. In some cases, the rash may also appear on the knees, elbows, buttocks, or genital area.
The Ministry stated that children may return to school once their fever has subsided, they are well enough to participate in normal activities, and there are no drooling mouth sores. A medical certificate is not required for re-entry.
Authorities are urging parents to keep symptomatic children at home and to practice strict hygiene measures. Schools and daycare centres are also being encouraged to increase sanitization efforts, especially in diaper-changing areas and shared spaces.
Among the recommendations issued by the Ministry are frequent handwashing with soap and water, sanitizing contaminated surfaces and toys, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Officials emphasized that schools are not required to close unless multiple cases are identified within a short period that would warrant enhanced cleaning and monitoring measures.
The Ministry says it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to the public as necessary.