'Foot and mouth' disease surfaces in children living in Goa's towns (ToI)

'Foot and mouth' disease surfaces in children living in Goa's towns TNN | Aug 3, 2013, 01.43 AM IST PANAJI: Several cases of hand, foot and mouth disease among children surfacing, especially in some towns, including Vasco, Margao and Panaji have worried parents, as the minor disease painfully disconcerts the younger ones till it passes over after a few days. Though no statistics or probable figures about the affliction are available, sources said the disease has afflicted a number of children, especially students in school. Goa medical college (GMC) and hospital, Bambolim, has not received any cases to take serious note of the disease. But a few private doctors in the state's urban areas reported treating several cases. The disease mostly affects children in the age group of two to ten years. "I have not seen any adults affected by it. They get small but very painful blisters on their hands, feet and inside their mouth due to a viral infection," a Margao-based paediatrician said. The incubation period after infection is about three to seven days. "It starts with fever and sores on the hands and feet and mouth ulcers, but sometimes the rash is noticed first," Dr Lorraine D'Sa, a Vasco-based paediatrician said. The rash can be noticed also on other parts of the body, too. During the illness, the common problems are sore throat, loss of appetite and irritability. The disease is highly contagious and spreads through contact between persons. "The children touching each other can spread it among themselves," a doctor said. Agreed D'Sa, "It is better to keep the children at home and ask them to do wash their hands constantly." An adequate intake of liquid food is preferable if chewing solid foods becomes difficult due to mouth ulcers. As the disease is a minor one, it subsides after a few days or within a week. More cases have been reported during the current monsoon season. "We don't give any treatment, but only symptomatic treatment like pain killers as it is a self-limiting disease," a paediatrician said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Foot-and-mouth-disease-surfaces-in-children-living-in-Goas-towns/articleshow/21563587.cms