DISCLAIMER:
This article is for informational or educational purposes only. Please seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
There is a steep hike in HFMD cases nationwide and the health ministry reported a 15 fold increase this year with 31 661 cases reported from the beginning of the year compared to 2121 cases last year for the same period. Most of the cases were reported in Selangor (28%), followed by Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (14%), Sabah (8%), Perak (8%) and Kelantan (7.9%). The sudden spike in cases in our country especially among young children is certainly worrying thus creating importance of awareness around this issue.
What is HFMD?
HFMD is hand, foot and mouth disease that is particularly common among children of 5 years and younger. This disease is commonly caused by viruses that belong to the Enterovirus family. When a person is infected with the virus, they become contagious and they are very prone to spread the virus, especially in the first week of being sick. However, they can still spread the virus for days or weeks even after the symptoms have disappeared or if they have been asymptomatic.
Some of the common symptoms of HFMD are fever, flu-like symptoms, and mouth sores which often begin as small red spots that blister and skin rashes mostly on the palms of the hand and soles of the feet but can also appear on the knee, elbow, buttocks and genital area.
How does the virus spread?
The virus causing HFMD can spread easily through an infected person’s nasal or throat secretions (which includes saliva, drool or mucus), fluid from blisters and faeces (stool). The spread can be facilitated through direct contact with an infected person when an infected person coughs or sneezes or via coming into contact with contaminated surfaces or things.
How can it be prevented?
The best way to prevent HFMD is to practice good hygiene. Some precautionary measures recommended by CDC are as below:
- Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands after cleaning your toddler and help and teach your kids to wash their hands properly and frequently
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that frequently come into contacts such as toys or doorknobs
- Teach your children to not touch their eyes, nose or mouth without washing their hands
- Try to avoid coming into contact with someone who has been infected to reduce the risk of transmission
While over-the-counter medication and proper rehydration help managing the symptoms that are often relieves in 7-10 days, CDC suggests visiting a doctor immediately if:
- The child is not well hydrated or unable to drink sufficient fluid
- Symptoms persist longer than 10 days
- The child is immunocompromised
- Symptoms are serious
- The child is younger than 6 months old
While HFMD is a condition that can be managed without severe complications in most cases, it is important to try to prevent it at all if possible. Ensuring the hygiene of your toddlers, the environment they are in, and the nurseries and child care centres they attend are important to reduce the risk of transmission. Be very conscious of personal hygiene and teach your kids to be as hygienic as possible for us to tackle the sudden rise in HFMD cases hence protecting our younger ones. After all, prevention is always better than cure!
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