Hand and foot and mouth disease increased in Hanoi

From the beginning of the month until now, Hanoi recorded 73 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease, increasing compared to the first two months of the year; 2 positive cases with EV71 virus are dangerous strains.

According to the Hanoi Center for Preventive Medicine, from the beginning of the year until now the city has recorded 176 cases of hand-foot and mouth scattered in 19 districts, towns, down 41% over the same period, no death. In January there were 52 cases, February recorded 47 cases, but the number of illnesses in March increased with 73 cases, of which 2 were positive for EV71 virus.

According to Mr. Hoang Duc Hanh, Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Health, the current weather is favorable for the development of hand, foot and mouth disease. The cases are still scattered and there are no deaths, but there is an increase in late February and early March.

In order to take initiative in preventing diseases, Hanoi Department of Health requests medical stations in districts, towns and towns to detect early cases and control to prevent epidemics from spreading; coordinate with the education department in propagating preventive measures for students, recommending that parents when having infected children must notify schools and medical establishments for timely isolation measures. Schools are also instructed how to prevent diseases such as class cleaning (floor, furniture, toys .) with soap or chloramin B .

Cases of hand, foot and mouth disease are not caused by the EV71 virus strain.(Artwork: Duong Ngoc).

Hand and foot and mouth disease are acute viral infections , common in children under 3 years old. The disease occurs all year round, high in the 9-11 months and is transmitted through the gastrointestinal tract. The reason is that personal hygiene, poor sanitation, especially hygiene skills for children, have not yet washed hands with soap regularly. Most cases are mild, with few cases of severe complications and dangerous complications.

There are many types of pathogenic viruses, one can have many different types. In particular, EV71 is a dangerous strain of hand, foot and mouth disease because of its easy complications and circulation in the South is more common in the North.

Hand and foot and mouth disease epidemic has risen in the country since 2011. In 2014, the country had 76.3 thousand cases of hand, foot and mouth disease, 9 deaths, down nearly 32% compared to the average period earlier. However, the disease still circulates at a high level and is widespread in all 63 provinces and cities. In the first 3 months of last year, the country recorded nearly 10,000 cases, 2 deaths.

According to the doctor, most cases of hand and foot and mouth disease in the North are mild. Children with fever, then rash on palms, feet, some appear in the knee or buttocks, elbows. Most children have rash in their mouths, making them very painful, fussy, and hard to swallow. There are cases of high fever but usually moderate fever, not very high. The disease usually resolves after 3-5 days if parents know how to care.

If the child has a high fever, the fever is reduced with paracetamol, multiple meals, liquid feeding, plenty of water, no need to take antibiotics. The notes outside the limbs are not necessary to apply the medicine, only washing with soap is a few days to disappear.

Parents note that they do not need to clean their mouth. Many people find that their mouths are foul, do not brush their teeth, then clean their mouths with cotton and gauze with salt water. This action unintentionally makes the ulcer worse, even causing bacterial superinfection. Sick children must be isolated for at least 10 days from the onset of illness, not for children to show signs of illness to class and play with other children.