Question
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is highly contagious, with most patients in hospitals seeking treatment due to the disease. What measures should be taken to prevent infants from contracting Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Answer
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is an infection caused by enteroviruses, commonly including Coxsackievirus A9 or A16 and Enterovirus 71. Enterovirus 71 is particularly prone to attacking the central nervous system, leading to brainstem encephalitis, which poses a threat to the child’s life. Preventive measures are especially important, particularly during the peak season for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (from April to October each year). It is advisable to avoid taking young children to crowded places with poor ventilation; maintain indoor ventilation and personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene; encourage infants to drink more water; and if there is a case of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in the family, immediate isolation should be carried out.