Sunday, October 25, 2009

What is HFMD?

Salam alaik

sedikit perkongsian kesihatan berkaitan penyakit tangan, kaki dan mulut yang seringkali menyerang kanak-kanak.


what is hand, foot and mouth disease?

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common illness of infants and children caused by a virus. It most often occurs in children under 10 years old. it is characterized by fever, sores/ulcers in the mouth,a nd a rash with blisters. The blisters may appears in the mouth, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The rashes may also appears on buttocks and on the legs and arms. The ulcers in the mouth usually appears in the tongue, the sides of the cheeks, gum or near the throat.



What causes HFMD?

the most common causes of HFMD are coxsackie virus A16, enterovirus 71(EV71) and other enteroviruses. The enteroviruses group includes polioviruses, coxackiesviruses, echoviruses and other enteroviruses.



When and where does HFMD occurs?

Individual cases and outbreaks of HFMD occur worldwide, more frequently in summer and early autumn (in temperate countries). In the recent past, major outbreaks of HFMD attributable to enterovirus EV71 have been reported in Malaysia in 1997 and in Taiwan in 1998. HFMD is endemic in Malaysia and occurs every year. In Sarawak, the number of cases of HFMD tends to increase from February to June.

What are the clinical signs and symptoms?

HFMD begins with a mild fever, poor appetite, malaise ("feeling sick"), and frequently a sore throat. One or 2 days after the fever begins, painful sores develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. They are usually located on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks. The skin rash develops over 1 to 2 days with flat or raised red spots, some with blisters on the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet. A person with HFMD may have only the rash or the mouth ulcers.


Is HFMD contagious?

Yes, HFMD is moderately contagious. A person is most contagious during the first week of the illness. The virus can be transmitted from person to person via direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stool of infected persons. The virus may continue to be excreted in the stools of infected persons up till 1 month. HFMD is not transmitted to or from pets or other animals.


How soon will someone become ill after getting infected?

The usual period from infection to onset of symptoms (incubation period) is 3 to 7 days. Fever is often the first symptom of HFMD followed by blister/rash.


p/s : kesian tengok kanak-kanak yang menghidap penyakit ni..tak sampai hati nak tengok sbb sangat2 sakit. Lagipun, mereka kecil lagi.huhu..

- jagalah anak-anak anda, adik, anak sedara dan sapa2 sahaja kanak-kanak disekeliling anda daripada dijangkiti pnyakit ini..

-prevention is better than cure. Take care!!

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