Chief Health Officer Dr. Lamont Sweet advised today that several children have been diagnosed recently with hand, foot and mouth disease, and some parents are confusing the illness with chickenpox.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by the coxsackie virus. Usually a mild illness, it results in weeping spots and raised areas on the palms and soles and sores in the mouth. "Children with chickenpox almost always have itchy spots in areas other than the palms, soles and mouth," said Dr. Sweet. "The problem is that some parents believe that the hand, foot and mouth rash is caused by chickenpox and their child does not need the chickenpox vaccine."
Dr. Sweet advised that parents of children who had a rash recently and did not see their doctor should call their public health nurse to clarify whether their child had chickenpox or hand, foot and mouth disease. "All children who have not had chickenpox are urged to have the chickenpox vaccine immediately," said Dr. Sweet. "Schools and day cares will be opening soon and every child should be protected."
The chickenpox vaccine is now available to all Island children aged one to six years who have not had the disease. Parents are advised to call the Public Health office to make an appointment for their child to receive the vaccine.
For more information, contact the Department of Health and Social Services at (902) 368 6114.