Nevis Schools Temporarily Closed by Ministry of Education

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) Outbreak Prompts Temporary Closure of Educational Facilities in Nevis

The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Ministry of Education announced the temporary closure of St. John’s Preschool and two first-grade classes (Hopeful and Helpful) at Charlestown Primary School for ten days, starting February 1, 2025. This precautionary measure was taken in response to confirmed cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) within these specific educational settings. The decision to close these facilities underscores the NIA’s commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of students and staff, recognizing the potential for rapid transmission of HFMD within close-contact environments like schools and preschools.

HFMD is a common viral illness that primarily affects infants and children under five years of age, although it can sometimes occur in older children and adults. The disease is characterized by fever, mouth sores, and a skin rash with flat, discolored spots or bumps on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks. While generally mild and self-limiting, HFMD can be highly contagious, spreading through close personal contact, respiratory droplets, and contact with contaminated surfaces. The temporary closure of affected educational facilities is a crucial step in interrupting the chain of transmission, preventing further spread within the school community, and allowing time for thorough sanitization.

The ten-day closure period will facilitate a comprehensive sanitization process of the affected classrooms and preschool facilities. This process will likely involve deep cleaning and disinfection of all surfaces, including desks, chairs, toys, doorknobs, and restrooms. Proper sanitization is essential to eliminate the virus from the environment and reduce the risk of reinfection upon the students’ return. The Ministry of Education aims to create a safe and healthy learning environment, minimizing the potential for future outbreaks. The closure period also provides time for infected individuals to recover and reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus upon their return to school.

The NIA Ministry of Education urged parents and guardians to play a vital role in containing the spread of HFMD and other infectious diseases by keeping unwell children at home. This practice helps prevent the introduction and transmission of illnesses within educational settings, protecting both the affected child and their classmates. Observing sick children for symptoms such as fever, rash, mouth sores, or other signs of illness is crucial. If a child exhibits these symptoms, parents should seek medical advice and refrain from sending them to school until they have fully recovered and are no longer contagious. This collaborative effort between the school administration and parents is essential for maintaining a healthy school environment.

The Ministry of Education emphasizes the importance of ongoing vigilance and preventative measures to minimize the spread of infectious diseases. These measures include frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before eating; covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow; avoiding close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms of illness; and regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. Educating children about these hygiene practices is equally important in fostering a culture of health and well-being within the school and home environments.

The temporary closure of St. John’s Preschool and the affected classes at Charlestown Primary School underscores the NIA Ministry of Education’s proactive approach to managing public health concerns within educational settings. By implementing these measures, the Ministry aims to protect the health of students and staff, prevent further spread of HFMD, and ensure a safe and healthy learning environment upon the students’ return. The cooperation of parents and guardians in keeping unwell children at home and practicing good hygiene is vital in supporting these efforts and maintaining a healthy school community. The Ministry of Education will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.