Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Have you heard about HFMD?
Recently, there has been a sudden uprise of HFMD cases in Malaysia to about 20-fold compared to last year. In order to protect ourselves and people around us, let’s get to know the disease better by understanding the basics first.
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Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a form of viral infection (Enterovirus family) which causes rash or blisters on hands, feet and the mouth area. This disease mainly affects children under the age of 10, especially those under 5 as they have lower immunity and tend to put their hands in mouth more often than adults.
Mode of transmission
*Easily spread
Contact with fluid
from blisters
Droplets from sneezing ,
coughing
Signs and symptoms
*Appear after 3 to 7 days of infection and can last up to 10 days
Fatigue
Fever
Clinical Management based on MOH guidelines
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Patient is managed by symptomatic treatment and usually treated as outpatients for mild HFMD cases.
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Fever and relief of symptoms
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Adequate hydration and rest
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Education on hygiene and preventative measures to avoid further transmissions.
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However, patients might be admitted if complications such as persistent fever or unable to tolerate oral feeds occur.
Infection Control
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Wash hands regularly, especially after managing infected children / people.
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Avoid sharing items with infected people ; cutleries, drinking cups and clothing.
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Best to isolate infected people to minimize contact and disease spread, especially from kindergarten, childcares and school.
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