Waldensia Primary and Infant School in Sherwood Content, Trelawny, was ordered closed on Tuesday by Ministry of Health officials after eight students contracted hand, foot and mouth disease.

The closure was confirmed by an official associated with the school.

However, principal Nicola Ottey-Anderson refused to provide any information on the matter to The Gleaner.

"I report to my chairman and the Ministry of Education. Go back to where you got your news from and get whatever information you need," she instructed bluntly.

Education Officer, Fabian Wainwright, told The Gleaner that "the closure is usually for a one-day deep cleaning exercise. After that things should get back to normal."

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a contagious illness caused by several viruses, primarily affecting infants and children under five, although adults are also susceptible.

Symptoms include fever, mouth sores and rashes on the hands and feet. The disease spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and the faecal-oral route.

- Leon Jackson

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