HFMD can cause death — if not speedily treated

Although it is a mildly infectious disease, risks are high if not speedily treated.

Almost 90% of HFMD cases involve children aged below five. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Chronic complications arising from the hand, foot and mouth (HFMD) disease can lead to death, warns a public health specialist in the health ministry’s Disease Control Division, Dr Norita Shamsudin.

She said although HFMD was a mildly infectious contagious disease, the risks were high if not treated early.

“Viral infections, especially Enterovirus 71 (EV71), can cause complications like dehydration, brain inflammation, heart and lung failure, and ultimately death.

“That is what worries us the most because the majority of HFMD cases this year are caused by EV71.”

She said the disease could infect anyone, regardless of age, although almost 90% of HFMD cases involved children aged below five.

She said a person who had HFMD could be infected again, depending on the body’s resistance.

“What is important is the preventive measures that must be taken by the parents and nursery operators to prevent the disease from spreading.

“Cleanliness must be stressed. It is important that the child gets immediate treatment if there are signs of infection.

“Do not take them to public places,” she said.

HFMD is a viral disease which could be easily spread, especially through the Coxsackie A16 and EV71 virus, through contact with saliva, blisters, and faeces. - FMT