A common disease in the Brazilian summer and autumn is attracting the attention of parents of school-age children in Rio Grande do Norte. Transmitted by the Coxsackie virus, the disease causes lesions on the hands, feet and mouth, hence the name by which it is known: “hand-foot-mouth”. In cities such as Natal and Macaíba, in the metropolitan region, the medical preceptor in Pediatrics at the Santos Dumont Institute (ISD), Ruy Medeiros, confirms the outbreak of the disease. In the capital, some schools even suspended Early Childhood Education classes as a way to mitigate the spread of contamination among students.

“We call it hand-foot-and-mouth syndrome or disease. It mainly affects children under five years of age. It is a disease transmitted directly or indirectly. The main symptoms are non-specific, such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea. But the main clinical presentation is in the form of fever and lesions on the body. These lesions are the size of grains of rice, and mainly affect the hands, feet and mouth.” The specialist points out, however, that they can affect other parts of the body, such as knees, genitals and buttocks. “These injuries evolve and become small wounds. When these lesions affect the mouth, they can cause a lot of pain and difficulty swallowing. Injuries to the body can also cause pain and itching. It is an extremely transmissible disease among children. We have observed outbreaks in Natal and Macaíba, but also in several places in the state”, adds the pediatrician.

For the disease, there is no specific treatment. It appears and disappears, in most cases, between five and seven days from the first symptoms. Ideally, during this period, parents and guardians of children should avoid taking them to school and places with large numbers of people. Hand, foot and mouth disease is highly contagious. According to Ruy Medeiros, treatment is carried out according to the symptoms. If there is pain and fever, for example, medications are given that will alleviate them, such as painkillers. If the lesions worsen, the recommendation is to use antibiotics.

According to pediatric preceptor Ruy Medeiros, the outbreak of this disease is characterized by the speed of transmission. “The disease transmission period may precede the appearance of lesions. Some children, before showing symptoms, can already transmit it. An outbreak is when there is a greater number of cases than expected, exceeding the limit of the expected average. In small locations with children confined in very closed environments, such as schools, transmission is very fast”, he highlights.

Alert

Ruy Medeiros warns parents and managers of schools in general, but especially public ones, who are preparing for the resumption of face-to-face activities. “We ask that parents who have children with symptoms, such as fever and lesions on the body, suspend the gathering of these children, whether at school or with other children of the same age, to avoid transmission”, declares the pediatrician. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is common in childhood, with few cases recorded in adults. Parents must also pay attention to the correct diagnosis. The disease is commonly confused with scabies and scabies.

“As soon as symptoms appear, look for the health service so that you can get guidance on whether it is a serious illness or not. Avoid contact with other children when possible. Avoid going to daycare centers, schools, and crowded places to avoid the spread of the disease”, recommends the pediatrician.

Symptoms

– high fever in the days before the lesions appear;
– appearance, in the mouth, tonsils and pharynx, of red spots with grayish-white vesicles in the center that can evolve into very painful ulcerations;
– eruption of small blisters generally on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, but which can also occur on the buttocks and genital region;
– malaise, lack of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea;
– because of the pain, there is difficulty swallowing and a lot of salivation. Transmission occurs via the fecal/oral route, through direct contact between people or with feces, saliva and other secretions, or through contaminated food and objects. Even after recovery, a person can transmit the virus through feces for approximately four weeks. The incubation period varies between one and seven days. In most cases, symptoms are mild and can be confused with those of the common cold.

Recommendations:

– Coxsackie virus infection does not always cause all of the classic symptoms of the syndrome. There are cases in which lesions similar to canker sores appear in the mouth or skin rashes; in others, fever and sore throat are the predominant symptoms;
– soft foods, such as purees and porridge, as well as gelatin and ice cream, are easier to swallow;
– cold drinks, such as natural juices, teas and water are essential to maintain good hydration in the body, as they can be ingested in small sips;
– always remember to wash your hands before and after handling a sick child, or taking them to the bathroom. If she can do this alone, insist that she acquire and maintain this hygiene habit even after she is cured;
– avoid, as far as possible, very close contact with the patient (such as hugging and kissing);
– cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing;
– maintain an adequate level of hygiene at home, daycare centers and schools;
– do not share bottles, cutlery or cups;
– keep sick people away from school or work until symptoms disappear (generally 5 to 7 days after symptoms begin);
– wash surfaces, objects and toys that may come into contact with secretions and feces from sick individuals with soap and water and, after disinfecting with a solution of bleach diluted in pure water (1 tablespoon of bleach diluted in 4 glasses of clean water);
– properly dispose of diapers and cleaning wipes in closed trash cans.

Source: Ministry of Health