A classroom was closed.. Egyptian doctors reveal the danger of the HFMD virus
After recent days witnessed a state of anxiety among parents in Egypt, following the spread of news about the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) among children in some schools and nurseries, authorities issued a statement.
"A common viral infection"
The Egyptian Ministries of Health and Population and Education and Technical Education stated that hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is not a serious disease as rumored. Rather, it is a common and mild viral infection that affects children, especially those under the age of five, and resolves spontaneously within a few days without the need for special treatment.
The Ministry of Health stated that the main symptoms of the disease include a slight fever, painful mouth ulcers, and a rash on the hands and feet. She also indicated that medical care is limited to alleviating symptoms with antipyretics and painkillers, and encouraging children to drink fluids.
She noted that there is no need to close schools or classrooms, but rather simple preventive measures, such as regular hand washing, good ventilation, and cleaning shared surfaces, are sufficient to limit the spread of infection.
Dr. Hatem Abdel Haq, an internal medicine, emergency, and critical care specialist at Mansoura University, stated that hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral infection among children, but it is not serious and often resolves on its own within a few days without the need for specific treatment.
He noted that symptoms begin with fever, fatigue, and a sore throat, followed by painful blisters in the mouth and on the tongue, in addition to a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, which may extend to the buttocks. He cautioned against consulting a doctor if the child has a weak immune system, is under six months old, or is completely refusing to eat.
Abdul Haq also pointed out that prevention depends primarily on adhering to personal hygiene, avoiding direct contact with infected people, ensuring that rooms and classrooms are well-ventilated, and that infected children remain at home until fully recovered. He concluded by emphasizing that the virus is "self-limited," meaning it disappears on its own, even without treatment. He noted that it has been around for a long time and poses no threat to children's health.
For his part, Dr. Muhammad Qura, a pediatrician and neonatologist, stated in an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya/Al Hadath.net that hand, foot, and mouth disease is an old and common disease among children, especially in kindergarten and primary school. It is not a cause for concern because it does not cause serious complications. He pointed out that the virus first appears with a high temperature, followed by a rash that spreads to various areas of the body. Symptoms typically last four to five days and then disappear on their own.
Qoura also emphasized that the virus is contagious during the period of active symptoms, which necessitates isolating the infected child at home and not sending him or her to school or nursery. Furthermore, the infected child should not share their personal items to avoid transmission. However, he explained that the rash associated with the disease is not contagious in and of itself and does not require topical creams or treatments, as it gradually disappears as the child's condition improves.
Qoura concluded by emphasizing that dealing with the virus is simple and does not require complex procedures. It is sufficient to isolate the child for a short period, provide rest, and pay attention to personal hygiene and the surrounding environment. He pointed out that the disease resolves on its own without leaving any effects or complications that would cause concern for families.
Anxiety among Parents
It is worth noting that recent days have witnessed a state of anxiety among parents in Egypt, following the spread of news about the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) among children in some schools and nurseries. This situation prompted the Ministries of Health and Population and Education to issue a joint statement to reassure families and confirm that the disease is not serious and does not require the closure of classes or the suspension of studies.
No comments:
Post a Comment