Hand, foot and mouth disease

We have been seeing a rise in the number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in Delhi among school children. These may be mistaken for chicken pox.

Hand, foot and mouth disease: Salient facts

• Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral illness most commonly caused by the Coxsackie virus A6.
• Enteroviruses 71 (EV71) can also cause hand, foot and mouth disease.
• Both adults and children can develop this infection. But young children below 5 years old are more susceptible.
• It is a moderately contagious illness.
• The incubation period is 5 days.
• The illness begins with fever, which lasts for 24-48 hours.
• Fever is followed by appearance of painful sores in mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. Tongue is involved.
• There are peripherally distributed small tender non itchy rash with blisters on palms of the hands, and soles of feet and buttocks.
• The sores hurt on touch and swallowing is difficult.
• There is proximal separation of nail from the nail bed.
• The virus is present in mucus from nose, saliva, fluid from sores and traces of bowel movements.
• The virus spreads in the first week of infection.
• The infection spreads from person to person by direct contact with nasal discharge, saliva or blister fluid or from stool of infected persons.
• The virus can persist in the stool for weeks.
• The illness is not transmitted to or from pets or other animals
• The illness stays for 2-3 days. It is usually mild and self limited.
• Entero 71 virus is associated with brain involvement (meningitis and encephalitis), lungs and the heart.
• The patient remains infectious after the symptoms have gone.
• Test is not necessary.
• There is no specific treatment.
• Paracetamol tablet can be taken to relieve pain and fever.
• Aspirin is to be avoided in children.
• Dehydration should be avoided.
• Eat ice cream to numb the pain.
• Using mouthwashes or sprays that numb mouth
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water.
• Avoid exposure to infected person.
• Maintain touch hygiene to reduce your risk of acquiring the infection.
• During first week of illness, the child should be kept in isolation.
• Schools should be closed.
• There is no vaccine currently available