hfm

THERE'S AN OUTBREAK IN MY SCHOOL FEW DAYS AGO
LUCKILY NO REPORTERS SNIFF THE NEWS OR ELSE WE'LL BE FRONTPAGE NEWS
SO FAR, THREE CHILDREN HAD BEEN ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL
LUCKILY NO YEAR6 CHILDREN WHO JUST SAT FOR UPSR CATCH THE DISEASE.NAUZUBILLAH

FROM THESTAR.COM.MY

Sunday October 28, 2007
About hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFM) understandably has many parents worried. Here is what you need to know to prevent your child from contracting this highly contagious disease.


By Dr MUSA MOHD NORDIN

The hand, foot and mouth (HFM) disease outbreak in Sarawak in March and April last year caused panic among parents and healthcare providers throughout the country. With over 8,390 cases reported and 1,304 hospital admissions, it was and still is a cause for concern.

What is HFM disease?

Not to be confused with foot and mouth disease, a fatal condition known to affect livestock, HFM is basically a common viral infection caused by the Coxsackie virus A16, enterovirus EV 71 and other enteroviruses.

Hand, foot and mouth disease can cause ulcers in a child’s mouth, especially on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks.
It often affects children under five years of age and since more than one virus can cause HFM disease, a child may get it more than once.

How does HFM disease spread?

The disease spreads through person-to-person contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters or the stool of a person with the infection.

It can also be transmitted through shared items such as toys and utensils. That’s why outbreaks frequently take place in childcare centres, nurseries and pre-schools as these places are packed with young children in close proximity and sharing various items. It may also spread from playgrounds and shopping malls.

Children with HFM disease are most contagious when they have mouth ulcers during the first week of the illness.

What are the symptoms of HFM disease?

The symptoms include:

# Ulcers in a child’s mouth, especially on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks. These ulcers can be painful and may last seven to 10 days.

# Blisters or rashes on the hands and feet, although they may appear on the trunk and other parts of the body as well. Unlike chickenpox, these rashes rarely itch.

# Low grade fever (38° C to 39°C).

Though it may be life-threatening in a few cases, HFM disease is generally a self-limiting illness.

Presently, there is no specific treatment for it. Often, symptomatic treatments such as fluids, painkillers and fever relievers are used to ease a patient’s discomfort until the disease goes away on its own.

Prompt medical care is required if you suspect your child has been infected.

# Dr Musa Mohd Nordin is a consultant paediatrician & neonatalogist, and honarary treasurer of the Positive Parenting Management Committee. The Positive Parenting Programme is managed by Malaysian Paediatric Association. For further information, please visit www.mypositiveparenting.org. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.