A condition that is often seen in infants and children.

Much less commonly found in adults

Is caused by several viruses of the Picornaviridae family

A few examples are Coxsackie A virus and Enterovirus 7

The incubation period for this condition is 3-7 days

Often passed at school, during playing and other times children get together

More often seen in the Fall and Summer months

Adults usually have a strong enough immune system to prevent the infection

Adults with immune problems can present with symptoms of this disease

Symptoms:

    -    Fever
    -    Chills
    -    Sores in mouth
    -    Sores outside mouth
    -    Sores on hands
    -    Sores on feet
    -    Sore throat
    -    Headaches
    -    Fatigue
    -    Vomiting
    -    Diarrhea
    -    Sores or blisters on buttocks of small children and infants
    -    Loss of appetite

***   -   A very small amount of neurological symptoms that may require hospitalization

Treatment

No specific curative treatment

Mouth washes to prevent pain

Tylenol for fever

Bathes help reduce temperature

Some Deadly outbreaks

2009 – 17 deaths of children in China and 18 children in a neighboring province – over 115,000 infections

2008 – 42 deaths of children in China – 25,000 infections – March

2006 – 7 deaths in on island of Bornio – Sarawak

1998 – 78 deaths in Taiwan – 1.5 million infected

1997 – 31 deaths on island of Bornio – Sarawak