14 March 2011
The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has issued advice to parents about the viral infection known as "hand-foot-and-mouth disease" that is currently circulating in children in Darwin and other Territory centres.
"Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is usually a mild illness that lasts about a week and typically starts with fatigue, poor appetite, sore throat and a mild fever," said CDC Director Dr Vicki Krause.
"A non-itchy rash appears on the hands and the feet, and also on the inside of the mouth with the appearance of blisters. The mouth blisters can be widespread on the inside of the cheeks and gums. It can affect all age groups, but usually children under the age of 10 years."
Dr Krause said there was no specific treatment and antibiotics would not help.
"The symptoms are best managed with frequent sips of fluids, paracetamol and rest. The mouth blisters can be painful, so parents should consult their doctor about pain relief so children can eat and drink during the course of the illness."
Despite its name, hand-foot-and-mouth disease only affects humans and is not related to "foot and mouth" disease which affects animals.
"Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is spread by breathing in aerosol droplets of nose and throat discharges, or contact with blister fluid or faeces of infectious persons. Symptoms generally develop 3 - 5 days after this exposure," Dr Krause added.
Prevention is the best way to stop the virus from spreading. As it is aerosol spread, the mouth and nose should be covered when coughing and sneezing. Frequent hand washing, especially after changing nappies, touching the blisters or putting hands to nose and mouth is required to limit the spread of the virus to other people.
The CDC advises that children with hand-foot-and-mouth disease should be excluded from childcare and school until all the blisters have dried out. Unaffected children in the family could continue to attend school and childcare.
"Rarely do those with hand-foot-and-mouth disease develop severe complications, but these can occur and they include meningitis, encephalitis and paralysis. If severe headache, stiff neck, or limb weakness develop, please seek medical advice," Dr Krause advised.
Parents with concerns about this illness are advised to speak with a GP or access the fact sheet available from the Centre for Disease Control link at www.health.nt.gov.au
Media Contact: Robin Osborne, Media Director, (08) 8999 2886 - 0488 692 781
