understanding Hand,Foot,and mouth Disease
Table of Contents
Hand,foot,and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infection,typically affecting young children. Cases often appear in schools and daycare centers, prompting concerns from parents.The Ministry of Human Development is providing information on the illness, prevention, and proper response to avoid widespread outbreaks.
Dr. Claudia Rodríguez,Director of Epidemiology and Tropical Medicine,explains that HFMD isn’t new. It’s historically affected preschool-aged children, and recently, cases have been increasing in educational settings.
How Does It Spread?
HFMD is caused by the Coxsackie virus and spreads easily. Transmission happens through several routes:
- Fecal matter: The virus can be present in stool.
- Airborne droplets: Coughing and sneezing release saliva droplets containing the virus.
- Direct contact: Touching saliva, shared snacks, or blisters on an infected person’s skin.
What are the Symptoms?
Look out for these common symptoms:
- High fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- painful blisters on the hands, feet, and in the mouth (and sometimes in the diaper area)
- Loss of appetite and general discomfort
What to Expect
HFMD typically lasts five to seven days, followed by gradual advancement. With proper care,recovery is usually straightforward.
The virus can spread easily, for example, a preschooler who doesn’t thoroughly wash their hands after using the toilet can easily transmit the virus to others.