HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common illness of infants and children featuring mouth sores, fever and rash caused by a virus. It is usually a mild, self-limiting illness but can be more serious in some children. Let's read on to understand more and know how you can prevent and control the spread of this disease.

"A person is most contagious during the first week of the illness"

HFMD most often occurs in children under 10 years old but can also occur in older children and adults. It is caused by a number of enteroviruses in the family Picornaviridae. One such virus is enterovirus 71. HFMD is not to be confused with foot-and-mouth disease, which is a disease affecting sheep, cattle and swine which is unrelated to HFMD.

Symptoms of HFMD

HFMD begins with a mild fever, poor appetite, feeling sick and frequently a sore throat. One or 2 days after the fever begins, painful sores develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. They are usually located on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks. The skin rash develops over 1 to 2 days with flat or raised red spots, some with blisters on the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet. A person with HFMD may have only the rash or the mouth ulcers.

The usual period from infection to onset of symptoms ("incubation period") is 3 to 7 days. Fever is often the first symptom of HFMD followed by blister/rash.

Is HFMD contagious?

Yes, HFMD is moderately contagious. It is usually spread by person to person contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters or the stool of infected persons. A person is most contagious during the first week of the illness. HFMD is not transmitted to or from pets or other animals.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment available for this infection. Treatment given is usually to provide relief from fever, aches or pain from the sores.

Prevent and control the spread of this disease by:

Practising good hand washing techniques, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers or handling other stool-soiled material. Cleaning and disinfecting contaminated items and surfaces using diluted solution of chlorine-containing bleach. Daily examine children for HFMD. Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Washing toys and other surfaces that have saliva on them. Excluding children with HFMD from schools or childcare facilities until the child feels well.