A call for prevention and self-care was made by the Seremi de Salud of the Coquimbo region in the face of the increase in outbreaks of mouth, hand, foot syndrome in infants and children.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is common in infants and young children. It usually causes fever, painful mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet. Most people who become infected recover within one to two weeks.
According to the Epidemiology Unit of the Seremi de Salud Coquimbo, to date so far in 2024, 5 outbreaks of the disease have been recorded, as confirmed by the regional Health Authority, Dr. Paola Salas.
“For the period 2024, mouth, hand, foot virus outbreaks have been reported in 5 kindergartens in the region, affecting 25 children from the commune of La Serena and Coquimbo respectively. All cases are already in the recovery period at home, with medical evaluation and corresponding treatment,” explained the Health Minister, Dr. Salas.
Regarding the spread of the disease, Seremi explained that “Having contact with respiratory droplets containing virus particles after a sick person coughs or sneezes, touching an infected person or having other close contact, such as kissing, hugging or sharing cups, glasses or cutlery, touching an infected person’s stool, such as when changing diapers, and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and finally, touching objects and surfaces that have the virus on them, such as door handles. doors or toys, and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth”, constitute the main forms of contagion.
Given this, the Health Authority explained that it is very important to adopt prevention measures “The call for parents and caregivers of infants and children is to frequently wash their hands, especially after changing diapers or helping children in the bathroom. Also, it is important before and after preparing food.” He pointed.
Measures to prevent:
1.Clean the surfaces with soapy water and then rinse, then use diluted bleach (10 cc or two teaspoons of bleach per 1 liter of water).
2.Children who present symptoms should consult the emergency centers of primary care establishments, hospitals and private centers.
3.Children who present symptoms should not go to the garden to avoid spreading the virus to healthy children.
4.Wash your hands after: going to the bathroom, changing diapers, before preparing food and before eating.
Treatment:
Treatment is aimed at reducing the discomfort of the disease. It is recommended to follow medical instructions that are generally aimed at drinking plenty of fluids to maintain hydration, reduce fever and pain.
