19 children stable as ministry urges calm over HFMD

The health ministry says all 19 children reported to have contracted hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in the Rehoboth health district are stable and recovering at home.

In a statement issued on Friday, executive director Penda Ithindi urged parents and schools to remain calm, warning against premature school closures and misinformation.

“School closures should only be implemented if officially directed by health authorities following a localised risk assessment,” Ithindi said.

He described HFMD as a common, generally mild childhood illness and clarified that it differs from foot-and-mouth disease in animals.

Parents were advised to seek medical attention for children showing symptoms, keep them home until fully recovered and practise regular handwashing.