Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: symptoms, treatment and prevention, explained

Source: The post is based on the article “Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: symptoms, treatment and prevention, explained” published in Indian Express on 31st August 2022.

What is the News?

There has been a spike in cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease(HFMD) in Mumbai. As per data provided by the state’s public health department, Maharashtra has reported 250 cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease.

What is Hand, foot, and mouth disease(HFMD)?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease(HFMD) is a highly contagious infection. It is common in children under the age of 5, but anyone can get it. 

Caused by: It is most commonly caused by a coxsackievirus, which belongs to a group of viruses called nonpolio enteroviruses.

Transmission: These viruses can spread from person to person through direct contact with unwashed hands or surfaces contaminated with feces. It can also be transmitted through contact with a person’s saliva, stool, or respiratory secretions.

Symptoms: Symptoms usually include fever, mouth sores, and skin rash. The rash is commonly found on the hands and feet.

Treatment: The illness is usually not serious. Children are mostly treated with anti-allergic medicines and ointments. The lesions usually disappear in five to six days.

Prevention: Frequent hand-washing and avoiding close contact with people who have hand-foot-and-mouth disease may help lower a child’s risk of infection.