An increase in cases of foot-and-mouth disease among children in Uroussang, south of Santa Catarina, has alarmed the municipal departments of health and education. More than 30 cases have been registered in folders since last week.

A city in southern South Carolina is experiencing a FMD ‘boom’ in 4 schools – Photo: Urusanga City Hall/Disclosure/ND

Of the ten municipal preschool schools, four have reported cases, according to City Hall. Last week, 28 children were removed from the classroom. This Friday (17) seven children are under care due to the syndrome.

“No class should have suspended classes, but we are monitoring cases to ensure that places are disinfected as well as the safety of children,” said Education Minister Janea Possamai.

Hand-foot-mouth syndrome is a viral infection caused by several enteroviruses, mainly Coxsackie, and usually occurs in outbreaks, affecting mainly children under the age of 5 attending kindergartens and schools.

The most frequent period of infection is the summer and spring months. Transmission occurs by the fecal-oral route and respiratory secretions with an incubation period of three to seven days.

Civil servant Bruna da Fonseca says her son’s first symptoms at 1 and 6 months were fever and small spots on the soles of his feet and elsewhere on his body.

“He also had anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea. We sought medical attention, immediately contacted the health agent and the school to alert other parents and the community,” he says.

Symptoms to look out for

According to nurse Marilia Marceiro, the first symptoms of the disease are usually fever and malaise, which disappear within 48 hours. “But shortly thereafter, oral ulcers appear, causing pain in the mouth and throat, small blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and sometimes on the buttocks and genital area,” he notes.

The professional also warns of lack of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. “The sheer pain that the blisters cause can cause this child to have difficulty swallowing and excessive salivation. It is necessary to guarantee the hydration of the child during the period of infection,” emphasizes Marilia.

Care

There is no specific treatment for the syndrome. The patient should take the same measures as with viral diseases: rest, light food and abundant moistening of the oral cavity.

“Cases of fever should be controlled with antipyretics prescribed by the pediatrician. As a self-limiting virus, the syndrome has a spontaneous regression, that is, it heals on its own within a day, ”he emphasizes.

How to control and avoid infection?

Frequent and proper handwashing is recommended to control the disease, especially after changing diapers and going to the toilet.

“Another point that we always emphasize is washing surfaces and toys used by the child, preferably and whenever possible with soap and water, and then with a disinfectant solution of bleach. We recommend diluting a tablespoon of the product in four glasses of water,” he explains.

The nurse also advises avoiding contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing food and hygiene items with infected people.

In case of infection, medical recommendations are to limit exposure to sick children, to keep them out of schools, kindergartens and other healthy children.