The Health Ministry says a few suspected cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease have recently been reported.

However, it says this does not pose a public health threat, as it urges persons to be vigilant in protecting themselves and their children from the disease.

The US CDC says while usually not serious, this disease is very contagious.

Symptoms include:

• fever
• loss of appetite
•  sore throat
•  a feeling of being unwell
• 1-2 days after the fever starts: painful sores in the mouth, a skin rash may also develop on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Sometimes rash also appears on the knees, elbows, and buttocks.

The symptoms usually resolve on their own within 1 to 2 weeks and are generally mild to moderate in intensity.

The Ministry says it has taken pre-emptive measures, including advising members of the medical fraternity to be prepared for patients presenting with symptoms.

As such, persons are encouraged to speak to their primary care physicians should they have any concerns.

• To reduce the spread of infection:
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after changing diapers and after using the toilet
• Cover mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing
• Clean dirty and/or regularly touched surfaces, including toys, door knobs, and countertops, first with soap and water and then disinfect them with a solution of chlorine bleach (made by adding 1 tablespoon of bleach to 4 cups of water)
• Avoid close contact with persons who display symptoms of HFMD (e.g. kissing, hugging, sharing eating utensils/ cups, etc.)
• Avoid sharing eating utensils/ cups, towels etc.
• Keep sick infants and children away from school and gatherings until they are well
• Maintain the cleanliness of homes, child care centres, kindergartens and/or schools