Tulum School Reopens After Coxsackie Virus Outbreak

Tulum, Quintana Roo — A preschool in Tulum that was temporarily closed due to 32 cases of the Coxsackie virus will resume classes this coming Monday. The Quintana Roo Secretary of Health reported that the situation at the kindergarten, which was closed temporarily after the detection of the virus commonly known as "hand, foot, and mouth disease," is now under control.

The closure of the facility was enacted as a preventive measure to avoid further infections. Cleaning and epidemiological surveillance protocols were immediately implemented in coordination with the Secretary of Education.

The Secretary of Health, Flavio Carlos Rosado, explained that the virus, colloquially known as "hand, foot, and mouth," is common in children aged 3 to 5 years. Although it is contagious, the official assured that it does not represent a serious danger to minors. He added that a full recovery for those affected typically takes a maximum of 10 days.

“In the case of Tulum, the Secretary of Education reported to us. Immediately, all the pre-established epidemiological surveillance protocols were carried out on the matter, and the decision was made to remove the children in order to prevent more infections and to allow for significant cleaning protocols at the school,” he detailed.

The head of health in the state said that work is being done in conjunction with IMSS-Bienestar, which will be responsible for monitoring the health of the children. Once the situation is re-evaluated and it is confirmed that there is no longer a risk, they will be able to return to their school activities.

“An assessment will be made for the return to classes; this will have to do with the medical status because the most important thing here is to stop the chain of contagion,” he stated.

The official explained that direct communication has been maintained with parents to inform them about the management of the case and the measures taken, always to guarantee the safety of the minors.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral infection, caused by the Coxsackie virus and other enteroviruses, which causes fever, sore throat, mouth sores, rash, and blisters on the hands, feet, and often in the diaper area.