There have recently been some suspected cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) diagnosed in a few children on Providenciales.
Hand, foot and mouth disease should not to be confused with foot and mouth disease which affects and is transmitted between animals. It is a mild viral illness, caused most commonly by Coxsackie virus or enterovirus. It is contagious (easily passed from one person to the other) and most often occurs in infants and children but can also occasionally occur in adults and adolescents.
Its symptoms include:
- Painful sores within the mouth
- Rashes on the hands and feet which may be associated with vesicles (blisters)
- Fever
- Headache
- Feeling generally unwell or irritable
- Coryza (runny nose) and sore throat
Some or all of these symptoms may be present.
HFMD is mostly a mild and self-limiting illness lasting for a few days, however there are more severe forms of the disease which are associated with neurological complications as a result of meningitis (associated with fever, headache, neck stiffness) and encephalitis (resulting in paralysis) which are uncommon.
HFMD is transmitted by direct contact with infected individuals: nasal secretions, saliva, stool and droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. HFMD is commonest in child care settings due to frequent contact with soiled diapers and children putting their hands in their mouths after being in contact with infected an individual’s secretions. Spread is from person to person contact.
There is no specific treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Symptom control such as the use of paracetamol for fever and pain relief is often all that is necessary. In some cases HFMD can cause a sore mouth and throat which makes it difficult to swallow. It is therefore important to maintain fluid intake to avoid dehydration. If oral fluids are not tolerated and the infected individual becomes dehydrated, admission to hospital may be required for intravenous fluids to be administered. Symptoms usually resolve within ten days.
Transmission of HFMD can be prevented by:
- Practicing good hygiene such as washing your hands frequently. This is especially important after using the toilet, when changing diapers and when preparing and eating food. Soap and water are all that will be necessary, but use of alcohol gel is also effective when soap and water are not available
- Cleaning areas and surfaces which are frequently touched, firstly with soap and water and then with diluted bleach
- Teaching children about proper hygiene and not putting their hands or other objects in their mouths
- Persons covering their nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
- Those who have been diagnosed with HFMD remaining at home until all of their symptoms have resolved and limiting their contact with other people until they are well
The Ministry Of Health and Human Services has increased surveillance activities at health care facilities and schools in collaboration with the Environmental Health Department and will continue to monitor the situation.
Please report to your healthcare provider if you suspect that you or your child has hand-foot-and-mouth disease.
