Contagious Hand Foot Mouth Diseases (HFMD)

Hand Foot Mouth Diseases (HFMD) is one of common children’s contagious infectious diseases. News from Singapore that there is number of Hand Foot Mouth Disease cases have been increased in the year 2008. A total jump of 12% from last week ending 12 April. Till now a total of 6,325 cases reported and the causes mainly caused by a higher circulation of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) said the Ministry of Health (MOH). Ministry of Health in Singapore added that HFMD is endemic in Singapore and will continues to rise as part of of epidemic uptrend.

Hand Foot Mouth Diseases (HFMD) is contagious most commonly affects children and can spread rapidly wherever groups of children are in close contact such as in childcare centre, kindergarten and in schools. Children are at high risk for HFMD because of their immune systems have not yet fully developed at the young age.

What is Hand Foot Mouth Diseases and how it spread?

Hand Foot Mouth Diseases (HFMD) is a group of viruses known as enteroviruses. Most frequent causes of HFMD is coxsackievirus A16, coxsackievirus A and enterovirus 71. HFMD is very contagious and spreads through direct contact with infected person. The virus can be spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes creating a mist of fluid containing viruses in the air, saliva, nasal and throat discharge, fluid from blistering skin cores and feces and indirectly by contaminated substance such as toys, books and so on.

Signs and symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth Diseases

Parents are advised to seek medical attention if you experience the following symptoms. The following signs and symptoms of Hand Foot Mouth Diseases may occur:

• One or two days of fever
• Painful red sores may develop in the throat, on the gums, on the inside of the cheeks and on the tongue.
• Rashes may appear with small blisters on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and may spread to the buttocks.
• May have headache and irritability (in young children).

While the diseases is mild and self-limiting but complications affecting the heart and brain could occur that lead to death.

How to prevent from HFMD?

The likelihood to reduce infected with Hand Foot Mouth Diseases is by practicing good hygiene. Only maintaining high standards of personal and environmental hygiene can really minimize getting any infectious diseases.

1. Washing hands is necessary to reduce the potential of spreading any infectious diseases, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers, as well as before eating or preparing foods.
2. Disinfecting common areas and object that is close encounter with children like kitchen, utensils, toys, baby pacifiers. This is necessary since the virus can live on objects or surfaces for several days.
3. Parents should teach your children and ensure your child practice good hygiene.

• Wash their hand frequently
• Covering your month and nose when coughing or sneezing following washing of hands after that.
• Take a bath at least twice everyday.
• Not to put their fingers, hands or any other objects into their mouths.
• Not to share utensils.
• Not to share foods
• Avoiding contact with infected individuals.

It is crucial for children to adopt good hygiene practices.