HPA warns of spread of hand, foot and mouth disease

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged people to be mindful of the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease in some regions in the Maldives.

HPA said that reports had been received since January 2013 of the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease in the country, and that the number of cases reported in some regions had increased.

The agency said that the disease typically affects children aged between one and four, and that it could therefore spread among preschool goers and students of grades one and two.

HPA said that the disease is spread through direct contact with the mucus, saliva, or faeces of an infected person; and urged people to observe good hygiene in order to prevent it.

The first symptoms of the disease include fever, lack of appetite, fatigue and sore throat.