A Nasty 4 letter word- HMFD

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HMFD- Hand and Mouth Food Disease has been recently highlighted in the news. Ministry of health(Singapore) reported that there have been 3721 cases reported since Jan 2008 up from 2480 in 2007. This number is alarming as we are only into the 1st quarter of 2008 and it has been more then a 1000 cases more as compared to the same 12 week period last year.

This piece of information is very stressful for me as children under 5 are most prone to this viral infection. As to date there is no cure and this year it was announced that the more deadly strain is prominent. I really need to be more cautious and step up in ensuring that my boys keep themselves clean with more hand washing.

Facts on HMFD (Information from MOH)

  • caused by the Coxsackie virus and Enterovirus 71.
  • The throat and tonsils develop small ulcers while the hands, feet, and diaper area are affected by very small blisters.
  • This is usually a mild illness with the rash healing in 5 to 7 days.
  • Is air-bone and transmits through saliva, faeces and fluid from the rash of an infected person.
  • Both adults and children can be affected. It is contagious !!

Symptoms

  • Mild to moderate fever
  • sore throat
  • ulcers in mouth and on tongue
  • lost of appetite
  • rashes on hand,feet and even genital areas

Parents are advised to keep their children away from crowded areas and seek advice from a doctor if they suspect that their child maybe suffering from HMFD.

HMFD can really be very nasty.It is better to be cautious then to suffer a heartache if your child is infected by this disease.

I had friend daughter who had been affected by HMFD. The little girl found it extremely difficult to eat watery porridge due to the ulcers in her mouth. My friend had to make sure that her daughter did not get dehydrated and resorted to offering her ice-lollies and an assortment of soft drinks and juices which were normally very restricted on normal days. Even though the illness cleared after 7 days it too a few weeks before that little girl was back to her normal healthy appetite and routine.

I really hope that this disease NEVER pays us a visit.

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