Tulum Boosts School Health After Virus Hits Kids

TULUM – Amid concern generated by reports of a viral illness known as Coxsackie in preschools across the municipality, the Tulum Municipal Health Directorate has announced the reinforcement of prevention and care protocols to protect students and break the chain of transmission.

Dr. Sonia Vargas, the Director of Health, explained that the first alert was received on September 11, when teacher Abril Ceballos reported the presence of symptoms in several children at one school. Immediately, parents were asked to take the children for medical consultation, and direct communication was established with the affected families.

In the following days, 32 cases were confirmed and reported; days later the number rose to 50, although only two were treated at official health centers.

Faced with the situation, local authorities determined immediate measures for the schools: temporary suspension of activities at the affected school, thorough disinfection of classrooms and common areas, and training for teaching staff to identify warning signs. Supplies such as gloves, bleach, and materials to sanitize up to 20,000 liters of water were distributed, in addition to disinfectant tablets, with the goal of guaranteeing hygiene in the educational spaces.

More than 100 parents participated in orientation talks, which emphasized the importance of keeping children who show symptoms at home, reinforcing hand washing, and avoiding sharing personal items like utensils or water bottles. Private doctors were also recommended to extend the home isolation of the minors for at least 14 days, even if the symptoms disappear earlier.

The illness, known as hand, foot, and mouth disease, is caused by an enterovirus and primarily affects children between six months and five years old. Its symptoms include fever, mouth sores, a rash on the hands and feet, and general malaise. It is easily transmitted through direct contact with saliva, secretions, or contaminated surfaces, making it a recurring ailment in school environments.

Vargas assured that this is not an out-of-control outbreak, as the state and municipal Secretariats of Health have maintained close surveillance in the schools. She highlighted that the rapid notification by the educational staff allowed for the containment of the spread and the timely application of preventive measures.

"The most important thing is shared responsibility. Parents, teachers, and authorities must be attentive to symptoms and act quickly to avoid contagion. Basic hygiene, such as frequent hand washing and daily disinfection in schools, is fundamental," she stated.

Municipal authorities confirmed that supervision is being maintained in all preschools and daycare centers in the municipality. For now, only one kindergarten remains closed as a preventive measure, while the rest of the institutions continue to operate under strict cleaning and health monitoring protocols.