IT started as a few red dots on his hands and feet, but within hours his body was a furnace of blisters and pain.
Young Richards Bay victim Reagan Ashington (9) had contracted the Coxsackie virus, and it caught him and his mother Melinda completely unaware.
‘I had never even heard of this bug and didn’t pay much attention to the red spots until I was called to fetch him from school on Monday,’ said Melinda.
‘From that moment it just got worse and the child was in agony.
‘The spots became sores which spread all over his body, even forming ulcers in his mouth and throat.
‘The sores became blisters and with it came headaches, temperature, pain and difficulty in swallowing and walking.’
While doctors soon confirmed that Reagan had caught the Coxsackie virus – named after the New York town where it was first diagnosed – Melinda learned that there was no treatment or cure, other than relieving the symptoms, rest and hydration.
It has to run its course, which is normally 7-10 days.
‘I have had to learn more about the bug and I’m sure other moms would like to be aware of it as it is generally passed from child to child,’ said Melinda.
Also incorrectly referred to as ‘Hand, Foot and Mouth’, the Coxsackie virus is highly infectious and is transferred through coughs and sneezes, contaminated surfaces and human faeces.
Play groups and nursery schools are breeding grounds and here regular washing of hands and cleaning surfaces and toys with disinfectants is required.
Although most people develop natural immunity, adults can also catch the virus, which in severe cases can lead to brain, heart, liver and lung infections.
