| DEFINITION
A viral
infection that usually begins in the throat. It is caused by the Coxsackie virus A16.
CAUSES, INCIDENCE, AND RISK FACTORS
The throat, tonsils, hands, feet, and diaper area are affected by
a rash with blisters caused by infection with the Coxsackie virus.
The infection affects young children from 2 weeks to 3 years old
most commonly but many children are infected and do not develop any signs of illness at
all.
The outbreaks occur most often in the spring and autumn.
This is usually a mild illness with the rash healing in 5 to 7
days.
It is NOT related to animal diseases with similar names (eg foot
and mouth disease of cattle).
HOW IS HAND FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE TRANSMITTED ?
The virus is present in the mouth while there are sores, and is
passed out in the bowel motions for several weeks afterwards.
The virus is spread by contact with mouth secretions, through
talking and coughing, and by contact with bowel motions. The incubation period is 3 to 7
days.
Children with inapparent infection are also infectious.
SYMPTOMS
- fever
- sore throat
- blisters or ulcers in the throat and mouth
- headache
- a rash with blisters on hands, feet and diaper area
- loss of appetite
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SIGNS AND TESTS
A
physical examination and history of recent illness are usually sufficient to diagnose
hand, foot, and mouth disease.
TREATMENT
There is no specific treatment for the infection other than
symptomatic relief of symptoms.
Treatment with antibiotics is not effective. Paracetamol can be
used to treat fever. Aspirin should not be used in viral illnesses in children.
Salt water mouth rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 glass of warm
water) may be soothing if the child is able to rinse without swallowing.
Ensure an adequate fluid intake because swallowing may be
painful. Extra fluid is needed when a fever is present.
EXPECTATIONS
Generally, complete recovery occurs in 5 to 7 days.
COMPLICATIONS (rare)
- possible convulsions with high fever (febrile siezures
- possible nervous system infection (such as viral meningitis or
encephalitis)
Apply home treatment and call the doctor if there are signs of
complications.
Other times to call include when a high fever is not reduced by
medication, signs of dehydration occur such as dry skin and mucus membranes, weight loss,
irritability, lethargy, decreased or dark urine. |
