Samoa’s Ministry of Health has warned of a possible fever and rash outbreak amongst children up to 4 years old after an upsurge in cases being brought to hospitals in the last four weeks.
A public notice was issued on social media last Saturday by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Health, Tagaloa Dr Robert Thomsen, warning of the threat.
“Symptoms of these cases are consistent with multiple illnesses including chickenpox and hand, foot and mouth disease,” he said.
The notice said the Ministry of Health was continuing to investigate the cases adding chickenpox and hand-foot-and-mouth diseases are caused by viruses.
“They are very contagious and spread easily among children and babies. It is common in children under 5 years old, but anyone can get it,” warns the Ministry.
People can be infected through person to person contact and respiratory droplets when people cough or sneeze.
“Your child can get a skin rash on the palms of the hands and soles of their feet. It can also show up on the buttocks, legs and arms”.
The Ministry says treatment can be done at home but antibiotics are not recommended.
It advises proper hydration, use of topical creams can be prescribed by doctors.
MOH also urged the public to practice proper hand hygiene especially in public areas using soap and water or sanitizers and avoid contact with affected people.
