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Six children infected with hand, foot and mouth disease by Ahmed Saeed and Ahmed Abdullah translated from Haveeru, 29 March 2001 In the last ten days six children have been diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease, according to a Public Health statement on Thursday. The disease was caused by a virus and had infected children under five years old, said the Dr Abdul Azeez Yoosuf, the Director General of the Ministry of Health, at a news conference. Two of the children were admitted to IGMH hospital for treatment. The disease first appeared in Maldives half way through this month [March], and Dr Azeez said that this disease is totally different from the foot and mouth infection among animals in Europe at the moment. 'This disease infects humans, while foot and mouth infects animals and is no danger to humans,' said Dr Azeez. He said the disease spread very easily, and was caused by a virus that mainly affects children under 10 years. A specialist children's doctor, Dr Afeef explained that the first sign of the disease was a fever, and after two or three days a rash appears on the hands, feet and mouth. Because the disease is so easily spread it is very important to see a doctor as soon as the symptoms are noticed, said Dr Afeef. 'We strongly advise against taking infected children anywhere people are gathered, such as parks, schools, and parties.' Dr Azeez said the disease was not serious but there was a good chance of an epidemic. 'This is a matter to be taken seriously. Parents should keep an infected child's possessions separate, and it is a barrier to infection if the child is kept away from others.' Awareness campaigns are underway in schools, atoll health centres, and regional hospitals. The Public Health department has taken protective measures. Dr Azeez said the disease was linked to the dry season. This disease spread as an epidemic in some Asian countries in the past. There is a chance that adults also may be infected. |
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