Posted on December 23, 2007 in Latest News
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness of infants and children. It is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters. HFMD begins with a mild fever, poor appetite, malaise (”feeling sick”), and frequently a sore throat. The rash which develops does not itch, and it is usually located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This is not to be confused with Foot-and-Mouth of cattle, sheep etc.
Causes
Viruses from the group called enteroviruses cause HFMD. The most common cause is coxsackievirus A16; sometimes, HFMD is caused by enterovirus 71 or other enteroviruses. The enterovirus group includes polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses and other enteroviruses. You may cacth it if you come into direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stools of an infected person. You are most contagious the first week you have the disease.
Symptoms
One can experience severe fever. The Sore throat problem will follow the fever. Lesions resembling the blisters can be noticed on sole of the feet or palm of the hand, or, tongue, and mouth.Head ache will be severe for those affected. The toddlers and the infants will experience irritability. The affected person will experience fatigue.
The incubation period of the hand-foot- and mouth disease is 4-7 days. The fever can be felt at first which will be followed by the sore throat. The affected person will have very poor appetite and as the result will be very tired.
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