Authorities in St Vincent and the Grenadines are cautiously tracking cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), which are rising in the Caribbean nation.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness, in a statement on Wednesday (December 1), urged citizens to take the necessary precautionary measures as the situation continues to unfold.

“The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment is closely monitoring the current situation of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) as there have been increased reports of cases across the country,” the government body advised.

After the British Virgin Islands (BVI) earlier in November, St Vincent is now the second Eastern Caribbean territory experiencing an increase in HFMD.

As is the case of BVI, Vincentian health officials noted that hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness among infants and children under the age of five years, but can also occur in adults.

The communicable infection is caused by a group of viruses known as enterovirus and can spread through close personal contact and by touching contaminated surfaces.

To reduce the risk of getting infected with HFMD and prevent the spread of the virus, parents and care workers are encouraged to wash hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers.

Adults are being encouraged to help young children do the same.

Persons should avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Related article: BVI officials concerned with increasing cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease