Cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) have risen to 78 in the Eastern Cape, with the provincial Department of Health saying most were in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and the Kouga and Makana area, which both fall under the Sarah Baartman District Municipality.
Department spokesperson Siyanda Manana said 40 cases have now been confirmed in East London, while 16 cases have been recorded in Qonce, 14 in Mdantsane, seven in Kouga, and one in Makana.
News24 reports that the disease was prevalent in pupils at daycare and primary schools, mainly affecting pupils from Grade R to 5.
Manana admitted that cases remain under-reported, and that the department had launched an investigation and surveillance plan, and was “continuously investigating and monitoring HFMD”.
News24 article – Eastern Cape hand, foot and mouth disease cases surge to 78 (Restricted access)
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