Monday, August 17, 2009

Epidemic of Hand foot and mouth disease











In the midst of the hullabaloo regarding the infamous global pandemic of the 'New H1N1' virus infection(swine flu) outbreak of another viral disease have escaped the attention of the media and public at large.

Fairly high number cases are being encountered in the city of Kolkata and surrounding districts on a daily basis.

This is called 'Hand Foot and Mouth Disease' caused by Coxsackie A virus and Enterovirus 71.
This affects infants and children. It is moderately infectious and is spread through direct contact.
I may quote from Wikipedia(avoiding any technical/medical jargon) :

'Early symptoms are likely to be fever often followed by a sore throat. Loss of appetite and general
malaise may also occur. Between one and two days after the onset of fever, painful sores may appear in the mouth and/or throat. A rash(mostly blisters) may become evident on the hands, feet, and occasionally the buttocks.Not all symptoms will be present in all cases.'

For more information click on:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1132264-overview
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand_foot_and_mouth_disease
http://www.e-ijd.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5154;year=2009;volume=54;issue=1;spage=26;epage=30;aulast=Sarma
Parents are requested not to send their children to school (or allow them to mix with other children in the community) with any of the following symptoms like fever and rash/blisters on hands, feet, buttock and in and around the mouth.

There is no need to panic. The disease is usually self limiting, unless it becomes complicated.
Be alert, informed and cautious."

2 comments:

  1. Dear KOushik,
    Nice blog on HFMD.

    Adequately informative for the general public.

    And, the message is crucial..."Don't panic!"

    Liked it.

    Vijay Zawar.

    ReplyDelete