Question
The recent outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease has been severe, with most patients in hospitals suffering from the condition. How can we prevent children from being infected with hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Answer
Hand, foot, and mouth disease usually presents with mild symptoms, with most patients experiencing fever during the early stages of the illness. They may develop macules and papules on the palms and soles of their feet (the rash around which may become red), along with blisters on the oral mucosa and/or ulcers, causing significant pain. Some patients may also have symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, and headache. A very few patients may have severe cases that can lead to complications such as encephalitis, meningitis, myocarditis, and pneumonia, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is mainly transmitted through close contact with the patient’s feces, blister fluid, and respiratory secretions (such as droplets from sneezing), as well as contaminated hands, towels, handkerchiefs, tooth cups, toys, tableware, bottles, bed linens, etc. There is currently no vaccine for hand, foot, and mouth disease, but it is completely preventable and treatable if detected and treated early.