Ways To Prevent Your Child From Falling Ill This Summer, According To Dept. Of Health

The Virgin Islands Department of Health’s (DOH) Environmental Health Division is urging the public to take precautions against communicable diseases that affect children, according to a press release issued on Thursday.

Common diseases and conditions that occur during the summer can be avoided, although they may be more prevalent due to weather and behavioral practices.

“It is important that the department empower the public with the information to protect the territory’s children this summer,” DOH Commissioner Nominee Phyllis L. Wallace said. “Although many of these illnesses are common, parents and community members are urged to protect children by taking safety measures to prevent illness.”

Some of the common illnesses reported to DOH’s Environmental Health Division include:

• Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than 5 years old. Symptoms include fever, blister-like sores in the mouth and a skin rash
• Impetigo: a common superficial bacterial infection primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The main symptoms are red rose that form around the nose and mouth
• Ring Worm: a skin and scalp disease caused by fungi. It gets its name from the characteristic ring-like rash on the skin
• Common Cold: many different viruses can cause the common cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common. Sore throat and runny nose are usually the first signs of a cold, followed by coughing and sneezing
• Chicken Pox: a very contagious disease caused by the varicella=zoster virus. It causes a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness, and fever

“These diseases are highly contagious and summer time activities allow for the perfect environment and opportunity for rapid spread of illness,” said Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar, infectious disease specialist. “Summer camps are high risk environments for multiple exposures to these contagious infections.”

Be cautious of each or a combination of the following symptoms:

• Poor appetite, fatigue
• Sores on the mouth and lower limbs
• Flat, raised red bumps, blisters, and/or rash
• Fever, stiff neck, back pain

Preventing these forms of illnesses are simple but require attention due to the interactive behavior of children, the release stated. Dr. Esther Ellis, DOH’s territorial epidemiologist, reminds summer camps to “have adequate hand washing stations and practice constant hand sanitizing when working with children regardless of current health status.” Ellis added that many of these illnesses survive on surfaces, therefore adequate cleaning solutions are recommended.

For more information on staying safe this summer visit this CDC link. To file a report call the Environmental Health Division: (340)718-1311on St. Croix or (340)774-9000.

Feature Image Credit: The Whole in the Wall Gang.