Health Tips - Prevention and Treatment of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

by sammi2008 on 2008-05-08 10:35:39

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious disease caused by enteroviruses. It mostly occurs in infants and children under the age of 5. The disease can cause fever, as well as rashes and ulcers on the hands, feet, and mouth. In some individual cases, it may lead to complications such as myocarditis, pulmonary edema, and aseptic meningitis or meningoencephalitis. There are over 20 types of enteroviruses that can cause hand, foot, and mouth disease. Among them, Coxsackievirus A16 (Cox A16) and Enterovirus 71 (EV 71) are the most common.