Hand, Foot & Mouth

 

Definition

Hand, Foot and Mouth disease is most common in infants and children. Usually there are blisters in the mouth, palms, fingers and soles.



The reasons

Caused by enterovirus virus. Virus that usually attacks is coxsackievirus A16.

Signs and symptoms

Mild fever
Feeling unwell (tiredness and fatigue)
Sore throat
After the fever for 2-3 days, painful blisters in the mouth first. Usually found on the tongue, gums and inside the cheeks. Rashes on the skin starts to come out in one of two places with red blisters rise, but not itchy on the palms and soles as well as the buttocks. Blisters on the mucosa and the skin will heal within 5-7 days. While the blisters on the hands and feet will heal in 5-10 days.

Who is susceptible?

Infects mostly children aged 10 years and below.

Is this disease contagious?

Yes. It is easily spread from one individual to another through direct contact (direct contact) with water discharge of the nose, throat, saliva, fluid from blisters and also from the stool of an infected individual. It is not only easily spread, especially in early infection, but also can be spread over several weeks in infect.

Can hand, foot and mouth disease from animals?

No, it's not the same as foot and mouth disease in animals.

How is diagnosis done?

Usually it is done in clinical trials. Test? Throat swabs? or from the faeces of infected individuals sent for laboratory testing to determine the virus that causes this disease.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment.

Drug fever (paracetamol) is used to reduce fever
Used to gargle with salt water. Mix: ½ teaspoon salt to a glass of warm water if the child can gargle
Make sure children drink plenty of water
Dairy products and ice cold can also be given
Prevention

Can be prevented by practicing hand washing with soap and water after any contact with patients
Contaminated surfaces and soiled equipment should be washed with clean water, soap and de germs with Clorox liquid, mix ¼ cup of Clorox to one gallon of water
Do not share personal items
Avoid kissing and embracing an infected individual
Complication

Complications are usually rare but can cause infection to the brain, lungs and heart, which can cause death.

What is a vaccine for hand, foot and mouth?

There is no vaccine for this disease.

When to see a doctor?

When the high fever did not recover even if given the drug (<38 C) over 48 hours
Tiredness / fatigue
Dry skin and tongue
Restless (irritable)
Convulsions
are unaware
If infection occurs in child care centers, nursery owner must: -

Children can not be sent to the nursery during the occurrence of infection for a period of at least 10 days and certified fit by the doctor. Ensure all children to practice good hand washing technique.
Wash and de germs all contaminated equipment, toys and surfaces such as tables, chairs and floors that may be contaminated
Make sure no other children have similar symptoms
Information can be obtained through:

Medical Officer / Specialist children
Health clinics
Site control and prevention of disease or phone no: 03-88833888
Familydoctor.org, kidshealth.org, health.am websites
References

Hand, Foot, & Mouth Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (Coxsackievirus) Fact Sheet, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene? Epidemiology & Disease Control Program, May 2002.
Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease, e-Medicine
Hand, Foot & Mouth disease, familydoctor.org
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, Patient U.K.
Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease, Medlineplus Medical Encyclopedia
Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease, Children? S Hospital of Pittsburgh
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (Coxsackie viral infections), New York State Department of Health.