Recognise the symptoms of hand-foot-and-mouth disease
Dr Lesiba Ledwaba, who practises locally, said hand-foot-and-mouth disease is common in children but can also occur in adults, occurring at anytime of the year, but commonly in the summer and autumn months.
POLOKWANE – A warning sent out to parents by several schools in the city about a hand-foot-and-mouth disease outbreak was sent out as a precautionary measure, say schools Review spoke to recently.
The school principals who spoke to Review said the goal of the warnings issued was to stop the outbreak and prevent it from spreading further.
Dr Lesiba Ledwaba, who practises locally, said hand-foot-and-mouth disease is common in children but can also occur in adults, occurring at anytime of the year, but commonly in the summer and autumn months.
He said the disease causes lesions in and on the mouth as well as on the hands, feet and at times, buttocks and legs.
“The disease doesn’t last more than a week or so. It usually takes three to six days for the symptoms to appear. The illness is caused by a virus known as an enterovirus and it spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, infected stools such as during a nappy change. It is common for this disease to break out in communities,” Ledwaba said.
Symptoms of Hand-foot-and-mouth disease:
He said symptoms start with tiredness, a sore throat and high fever. “Lesions (sores) or blisters appear around the second day. Blisters may break open and crust over, and go away in a week or so.”
Ledwaba said doctors can diagnose hand-foot-and-mouth disease by the symptoms described to them and by looking at the blisters. “Usually, tests aren’t needed,” he said.
While the lesions are extremely painful, the disease is not fatal, Ledwaba confirmed. “Complications are not common. An infected person can develop viral meningitis but this is rare. Even rarer is polio-like paralasys or encephalitis (brain inflammation), which can be fatal,” he said.
“Plenty of cold fluids as well as ice lollies and ice cream can soothe a sore throat. Spicy or sour food should be avoided. Ibuprofen could help to ease pain and lower fever, however, aspirin should be avoided,” Ledwaba advised.
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease can be prevented from spreading like this:
• Keep your child out of daycare or school until the disease is no longer present.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching a blister, or changing the nappy of an affected child.
• Teach all family members to wash their hands often.
• Do not let the child share toys or give kisses while he or she is infected.
