For the past months several news regarding the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) has been flashed over television, radio and newspapers.
What exactly is this virus infection that allegedly caused the death of 52 children in Cambodia? Just this week, a confirmed case of EV-71 from Davao City was reported, good thing the boy already recovered. This might be also related to the HFMD that hit actress Kris Aquino and her sons 2 years ago.
Here are some of the facts regarding Enterovirus 71 (EV-71) and HFMD based on the fact sheet released by World Health Organization (WHO)
What is Enterovirus 71 (EV-71)?
EV 71 is a non-polio enterovirus. Non-polio enteroviruses are common ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses that are found worldwide. Infection is usually asymptomatic or associated with a mild non-specific illness. More severe presentations do occur, particularly in children. Presentations include exanthems (including HFMD), herpangina, conjunctivitis, encephalitis, aseptic meningitis, acute flaccid paralysis, acute respiratory problem and myopericarditis. It should be noted that infection with EV 71 may result in complications without producing clinically-evident HFMD. This occurred in the context of a large outbreak of EV 71 in Bulgaria.
What is Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD)?
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease of infants and children. It is characterized by fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet and also buttocks. It is prevalent in many Asian countries.
Is HFMD similar to foot-and-mouth disease in animals?
No, HFMD is not to be confused with foot-and-mouth (also called hoof-and-mouth) disease which is caused by a different virus and affects cattle, sheep, and pigs.
How is HFMD related to EV-71?
Viruses from the group called enteroviruses cause HFMD. There are many different types in the group including polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses and other enteroviruses.
HFMD is most commonly caused by coxsackievirus A16 which usually results in a mild self-limiting disease with few complications. However, HFMD is also caused by Enteroviruses, including enterovirus 71 (EV71) which has been associated with serious complications, and may be fatal.
How is EV-71 transmitted?
HFMD virus is contagious and infection is spread from person to person by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva, fluid from blisters, or the stool of infected persons. Infected persons are most contagious during the first week of the illness, but the period of communicability can last for several weeks (as the virus persists in stool).
HFMD is not transmitted to or from pets or other animals.
Is HMFD fatal/deadly?
Most people with HFMD recover fully after the acute illness.
HFMD is usually a mild disease, and nearly all patients recover in 7 to 10 days without medical treatment and complications are uncommon.
What are the symptoms of HFMD?
The disease usually begins with a fever, poor appetite, malaise, and frequently with a sore throat.
One or 2 days after fever onset, painful sores develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. They are usually located on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks.
A non-itchy skin rash develops over 1–2 days with flat or raised red spots, some with blisters. The rash is usually located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet; it may also appear on the buttocks and/or genitalia.
A person with HFMD may not have symptoms, or may have only the rash or only mouth ulcers.
In a small number of cases, children may experience a brief illness, present with mixed neurological and respiratory symptoms and succumb rapidly to the disease.
One or 2 days after fever onset, painful sores develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. They are usually located on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks.
A non-itchy skin rash develops over 1–2 days with flat or raised red spots, some with blisters. The rash is usually located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet; it may also appear on the buttocks and/or genitalia.
A person with HFMD may not have symptoms, or may have only the rash or only mouth ulcers.
In a small number of cases, children may experience a brief illness, present with mixed neurological and respiratory symptoms and succumb rapidly to the disease.
Who is at risk for HFMD?
Everyone who has not already been infected is at risk of infection, but not everyone who is infected becomes ill.
HFMD occurs mainly in children under 10 years old, but most commonly in children younger than 5 years of age. Younger children tend to have worse symptoms.
Children are more likely to be susceptible to infection and illness from these viruses, because they are less likely than adults to have antibodies and be immune from previous exposures to them. Most adults are immune, but cases in adolescents and adults are not unusual.
HFMD occurs mainly in children under 10 years old, but most commonly in children younger than 5 years of age. Younger children tend to have worse symptoms.
Children are more likely to be susceptible to infection and illness from these viruses, because they are less likely than adults to have antibodies and be immune from previous exposures to them. Most adults are immune, but cases in adolescents and adults are not unusual.
Can pregnant women be at risk from HFMD?
Ideally pregnant women should avoid close contact with anyone with HFMD and pay particular attention to measures that prevent transmission.
Enterovirus infections, including HFMD are common and pregnant women are frequently exposed to them. They may cause mild or no illness in the pregnant woman and currently there is no clear evidence that maternal enterovirus infection, including HFMD, is associated with any particular adverse outcomes of pregnancy (such as abortion, stillbirth or congenital defects). However, pregnant women may pass the virus to the baby if they are infected shortly before delivery or have symptoms at the time of delivery.
Most newborns infected with an enterovirus have mild illness, but rarely may develop an overwhelming infection of many organs, including liver and heart, and die from the infection. The risk of this severe illness is higher for newborns infected during the first two weeks of life.
How is HFMD treated?
Presently, there is no specific treatment available for HFMD. Patients should drink plenty of water and may require symptomatic treatment to reduce fever and pain from ulcers.
Enterovirus infections, including HFMD are common and pregnant women are frequently exposed to them. They may cause mild or no illness in the pregnant woman and currently there is no clear evidence that maternal enterovirus infection, including HFMD, is associated with any particular adverse outcomes of pregnancy (such as abortion, stillbirth or congenital defects). However, pregnant women may pass the virus to the baby if they are infected shortly before delivery or have symptoms at the time of delivery.
Most newborns infected with an enterovirus have mild illness, but rarely may develop an overwhelming infection of many organs, including liver and heart, and die from the infection. The risk of this severe illness is higher for newborns infected during the first two weeks of life.
How is HFMD treated?
Presently, there is no specific treatment available for HFMD. Patients should drink plenty of water and may require symptomatic treatment to reduce fever and pain from ulcers.
Is there a treatment for EV-71?
No specific antiviral agent is available for therapy or prophylaxis of EV 71 infection. Treatment is supportive and focuses on management of complications. Intravenous administration of immune globulin may have a use in preventing severe disease in immunocompromised patients or those with life-threatening disease.
How can HFMD be prevented from spreading?
Since there are no specific drugs or vaccines available against the enterovirus causing HFMD, the risk of infection can be lowered by good, hygiene practices and prompt medical attention for children showing severe symptoms.
Here are some preventive measures we can practice to avoid the spread of the infection:
Here are some preventive measures we can practice to avoid the spread of the infection:
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water especially after touching any blister or sore, before preparing food and eating, before feeding young infants, after using the toilet and after changing diapers;
- Cleaning contaminated surfaces and soiled items (including toys) first with soap and water, and then disinfecting them using a dilute solution of chlorine-containing bleach;
- Avoiding close contact (kissing, hugging, sharing utensils, etc.) with children with HFMD may also help to reduce of the risk of infection;
- Keeping infants and sick children away from kindergarten, nursery, school or gatherings until they are well;
- Monitoring the sick child's condition closely and seeking prompt medical attention if persistent high fever, decrease in alertness or deterioration in general condition occurs;
- Covering mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing;
- Disposing properly of used tissues and nappies into waste bins that close properly;
- Maintaining cleanliness of home, child care center, kindergartens or schools.
Sources:
http://www.dh.gov.hk/english/useful/useful_ld/files/fs_enterovirus71.pdf
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/id-mi/ev71-eng.php
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/07/20/12/fast-facts-about-hfmd-and-enterovirus-71
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