What is hand, foot and mouth disease?
MANILA, Philippines — While there have been cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) stressed that there is no outbreak as local government units are coping and trying to prevent its spread.
In a media forum today, DOH Officer in Charge Dr. Rosario Vergeire said there are only 29% of active cases in the past four weeks, while the rest have recovered.
Still, it is important for the public to know what HFMD is and how they could prevent this viral infection.
According to the World Health Organization, HFMD affects mostly children but it can also occur in adolescents and adults.
The disease is mild and self-limiting in most cases. Its common symptoms include:
- fever,
- painful sores in the mouth,
- and a rash with blisters on hands, feet and buttocks.
- Its more severe symptoms include meningitis, encephalitis, and polio-like paralysis.
The American non-profit medical center, Mayo Clinic, said that its usual period from initial infection to the time the symptoms appear is three to six days.
It can start with the patient having a fever and developing a sore throat. After the fever begins in one or two days, painful sores may develop in the front of the mouth or throat. Rashes may appear on the hands, feet and sometimes on the buttocks.
The Mayo Clinic said that sores that develop in the back of the mouth and throat "may suggest" a related viral illness called Herpangina.
HFMD usually manifests as a minor illness that causes fever and mild symptoms for a few days.
The Mayo Clinic said there is no specific treatment for HFMD. It is advised to avoid close contact with people who may have the disease. Like many other viral diseases, frequent handwashing is recommended.
It is advised to call the doctor if the child is younger than six months, has a weakened immune system, or has mouth sores or a sore throat that makes it painful to drink fluids. It is also advised to visit the doctor if the symptoms do not improve after 10 days.
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