Question
There are two children diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease in the kindergarten. Does this pose an infection risk to other children, especially to those who have recently recovered? What preventive measures should be taken?
Answer
The primary measure to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease is to maintain good hygiene in the home and surrounding environment, as well as personal hygiene habits. During disease outbreaks, avoid taking children to crowded public places to reduce the chance of infection. Specific suggestions include: washing hands thoroughly with soap or hand sanitizer before meals, after using the toilet, and upon returning home; avoiding drinking unboiled water or consuming raw and cold foods; caregivers should wash their hands before and after contacting children, during care processes, or after handling excretions; and keeping indoor air circulating and regularly exposing clothes and bedding to sunlight.