CPS advises measures to prevent HFMD disease

PHILIPSBURG–The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) announced on Monday that parents and guardians, day-care centres and playschools should take extra measures to prevent and mitigate hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases, such as washing of hands often with soap and water.
HFMD is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children who are 10 years of age or younger and can sometimes occur in adults. There is no vaccine to protect against the viruses that cause HFMD. Persons with symptoms should consult their family physician and take necessary measures to mitigate an increase in cases.
Symptoms of HFMD include cold-like conditions, fever, mouth sores, loss of appetite, cough and a non-itchy red skin rash that develops on the hands and feet. Sometimes the rash can develop into painful blisters and/or painful mouth ulcers.
HFMD is spread from person to person through nose and throat secretions (such as saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus), blister fluid, or stool of infected persons. When handling secretions it is advisable to take the necessary preventive measures.
To lower the risk of being infected with HFMD, wash hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers and using the toilet, and disinfect dirty surfaces and soiled items, including toys. First, wash the items with soap and water, then disinfect them with a solution of chlorine bleach. Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, thumb-sucking, nail-chewing or sharing eating utensils or cups with infected persons.
HFMD is not the same as foot and mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep and pigs. The two infections are unrelated and HFMD cannot be caught from animals.
If your child or you have any HFMD symptoms, consult your family physician.
For more information, call CPS, tel. 542-2078 or 542-3003 or send an e-mail to
[email protected] or
[email protected] .

Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/70575-cps-advises-measures-to-prevent-hfmd-disease

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