15 Nov 2024        15:04:19 pm

Science

Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease

Tags : Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease

Topic: Health

Why in the news?

• Mumbai is currently experiencing an increase in Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) among young children, particularly those under five years old, who are more susceptible due to their weakened immune systems.
• This rise in cases coincides with seasonal changes as the city transitions from warmer to cooler weather. 

Source: The Indian Express

About Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease:

• It is a viral infection common in young children that causes painful red blisters in the mouth and throat, and on the hands, feet, and diaper area.
• It is characterized by blisters or sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. The infection can affect people of all ages, but it usually occurs in children under age 5.
• It is caused by viruses from the non-polio Enterovirus genus, most commonly the
• It can spread from person to person through direct contact with unwashed hands or surfaces contaminated with faeces. It can also be transmitted through contact with a person’s saliva, stool, or respiratory secretions.
• Its symptoms include fever, sore throat, feeling of sickness, loss of appetite, fussiness, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks, rashes on the palms and soles. 
• In most cases, the infection goes away without treatment in 7 to 10 days. However, doctors recommend certain treatments to help ease symptoms until the disease has run its course. 

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