ibu Health & Safety
Coxsacki Updates
November 2000
Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease, The Facts. . .
The recent outbreak of Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD) in the region has caused understandable concern amongst parents with rumours about the enormity of the situation spreading faster than the illness itself! We hope the following information will dispel some of the misconceptions about the characteristics of HFMD. The websites listed are another useful resource for keeping abreast of the latest local developments.
IMPORTANT
If you are in any doubt about your child's state of health, seek advice from your doctor as soon as possible.
HFMD is a viral illness (usually Coxsackie or Enterovirus 71) that can occur at any age, affecting mostly children under age 10. The disease is characterised by vesicles (small blisters which contain clear fluid) that appear inside the mouth, on the gums and on the side of the tongue. On rare occasions persons with the virus that causes HFMD may develop viral meningitis or myocarditis. Infants who develop oral vesicles may stop nursing and become dehydrated.
What are the symptoms?
HFMD begins with a sore throat and a fever that can last from 1 to 3 days. Blisters form on the inside of the mouth first and later appear on the feet and the hands, and occasionally on the buttocks, and may persist for 7 to 10 days.
How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 days after exposure.
How is Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease spread?
The disease is spread by contact with nose and throat discharges and faeces of infected people.
When and for how long is a person able to spread the disease?
A person with HFMD can transmit the virus through nose and throat discharges and faeces during the acute stage of the illness. The virus can continue to be transmitted in the faeces perhaps as long as several weeks after the onset of infection when a person has no apparent illness.
What is the treatment for Hand, Foot and Mouth disease?
There is no specific treatment for the infection other than symptomatic relief of symptoms. Treatment with antibiotics is not effective. Acetaminophen can be used to treat fever. Aspirin should not be used in viral illnesses in children. Salt water mouth rinses (½ teaspoon of salt to 1 glass of warm water) may be soothing if the child is able to rinse without swallowing. Ensure an adequate fluid intake because swallowing may be painful. Extra fluid is needed when a fever is present.
Does past infection make a person immune?
Immunity to the specific virus type is probably acquired after infection, however the duration of the immunity is unknown. Current immunity to a specific type of Coxsackie virus will not prevent infection from a different virus type.
What can be done to prevent the spread of Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease?
Particular attention should be given to thorough hand washing following contact with nose and throat discharges and faeces. Children with symptoms should not attend day care until the fever is no longer present and the blisters begin to subside.
Source: Internet
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