We
have been seeing a rise in the number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease
in Delhi
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
