PHNOM PENH, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) — Cambodia has seen an increase in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), particularly among children under the age of five, said a health ministry’s press release on Tuesday.
No number of cases was mentioned in the press release.
HFMD is a viral infection caused by the Coxsackievirus or Enterovirus 71 (EV71), the press release said, adding that it mostly affects infants and young children, but can also affect adults.
“The HFMD causes blister-like rashes on the hands, feet, and mouth, and spreads through contact with saliva, nasal mucus, stool, or bodily fluids,” the press release said.
The disease is usually mild, with almost all of the patients recovering within seven to 10 days, the press release said, adding that patients can take antipyretics and pain relievers, but not aspirin.
However, some rare cases, with prolonged fever and neurological symptoms such as drowsiness, convulsions, seizures, or shortness of breath, can be more severe and life-threatening.
“Patients with the above-mentioned serious complications must be immediately admitted to the nearest health center or hospital without any delay, or they will face high risk from their illness,” the news release said.
Good hygiene practice can prevent HFMD, it added. ■