There has recently been an outbreak of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Hilton and surrounds. (Not to be confused with Foot and Mouth Disease which is found in animals). So what is HFMD?
HFMD is a viral infection affecting mainly young children, causing a fever and a rash on the hands, feet, nappy area and in and around the mouth. It is caused by a virus-usually Coxsackie A16- that is spread from child to child by direct touch, contact with mucous or faeces of an infected child or even contact with objects which have been in contact with an infected person. Such objects can include toys, towels, clothes and the like and they are called fomites. The Coxsackie virus will only be infectious for a few minutes on dry surfaces and a little longer on wet surfaces, but not more than an hour. Using a sanitising/ alcohol spray on toys, equipment etc can kill the virus. Hand washing is important, especially after changing a nappy.
Symptoms will appear about 3-6 days after being in contact with the virus. However, your child will be infectious for a day or two before the rash comes out and will be infectious until the rash crusts over, (usually about a week from the first onset of symptoms).
The illness will start with your child being grizzly, irritable and then having a fever. A day or two later the rash appears- small blisters on the feet, hands and mouth (lips and tongue) and possibly the nappy area. The baby will often drool. The lesions appear to be uncomfortable and even painful, but not itchy. The baby may go off their bottle or food. The infection is generally limited to those symptoms but in unusual cases complications of meningitis or lung problems may happen- urgent medical attention should be sought if you suspect this.
Treatment is generally symptomatic and supportive- controlling the temperature and discomfort with pain and fever medication including paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medication. Local treatment with calamine lotion may sooth irritated skin and an antiviral numbing gel can help with the lesions in the mouth. There is no specific anti-viral medication for the virus, but some evidence supports the use of the antiviral agent, acyclovir, as it decreases the duration of the illness in some cases. It is advisable for affected patients to avoid pregnant women who have not previously been exposed to the illness.
In summary, HFMD is a sudden-onset contagious viral infection causing temperatures, and a rash; it is generally a mild illness which is self limiting. It needs to run its course but there are steps that can be taken to ease the symptoms.
Article submitted by Dr Ralph Gilbert, MBChB - 033-3432243 - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
