Question
Three days ago, I developed mouth ulcers, followed by a fever of 38 degrees. After two days of intravenous fluid administration, red blisters appeared on the palms and soles. Is it Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Answer
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a contagious illness caused by enteroviruses, most commonly affecting infants and young children. It can lead to blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth. In some cases, it can also cause complications such as myocarditis, pulmonary edema, and aseptic meningitis. The disease is widespread with no distinct regional distribution; it can occur year-round but is most prevalent in the summer and autumn. The disease often presents with an outbreak followed by scattered cases; during outbreaks, kindergartens and nurseries are prone to collective infections, and families may also experience clustered outbreaks. The disease is highly contagious with complex transmission routes, which can lead to large-scale outbreaks in a short period of time.