Experts warned: It spreads very quickly among children!

Associate Professor Dr. Samet Özer from the Department of Child Health and Diseases provided important information about the rapidly spreading hand, foot and mouth disease among children. This contagious disease, which particularly affects children under the age of 5, can easily spread from dirty pools, through close contact or through the use of shared objects.

BUBBLE-LIKE RASHES ARE SEEN

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özer stated that this disease, which is a viral infection, is usually caused by viruses belonging to the Coxsackievirus and Enterovirus families, and said, “The disease manifests itself with blister-like rashes on the hands and feet and painful sores in the mouth. However, rashes can also be seen on the chest, back, arms, legs, genital area and buttocks.”

CHILDREN ARE INfecting EACH OTHER

Özer, who pointed out that it spreads quickly among children in nursery and school environments, said, “The first symptoms of the disease are similar to the flu; mild fever, sore throat, runny nose, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. Then, rash and mouth sores develop.”

VIRUS CAN STAY IN THE BODY FOR WEEKS

Özer stated that the symptoms usually pass within 7-10 days, but children under the age of 2 are more affected. “The most contagious period of the disease is before the rash appears. After the blisters dry, the contagiousness decreases, but the virus can remain in the stool for weeks,” he warned.

WHAT ARE THE WAYS OF CONTAGION?

Özer listed the ways hand, foot and mouth disease spreads:

• Droplets spread into the air by infected people sneezing or coughing,
• Saliva, feces or skin contact,
• Kissing, hugging,
• Shared use of personal belongings

He said that the virus can be transmitted in such ways.

RARE BUT SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES

Özer stated that the disease can cause some complications, although rare, and listed them as follows:

• Dehydration: Children may have difficulty drinking water due to mouth sores.
• Nail loss: Temporary nail loss may occur in some cases.
• Meningitis and encephalitis: Although rare, serious complications such as meningitis may develop.

IT IS VITAL TO SEE A DOCTOR

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Samet Özer emphasized that when symptoms of the disease are seen, a doctor should be consulted without delay. He said, "Expert control is essential for appropriate treatment planning and prevention of contagion."