Alert as Hand, Foot and Mouth virus spreads through childcare centres

The NT Centre for Disease Control has warned parents to be on the look out for symptoms, after roughly 70 cases of a viral infection were reported in childcare centres in the Top End.

THE Northern Territory’s Centre of Disease Control has warned parents to be on the look out for symptoms of Hand, Food and Mouth disease in their children after a spike in cases.

Children under 10 are most at risk of the viral infection, which causes small, blister-like lesions on the inside of the mouth, sides of the tongue, hands and feet.

In a statement, the CDC reported it had seen around 70 cases of the virus in childcare centres around the Top End.

CDC infections diseases expert Dr Kate Proudmore said other symptoms of the virus included fatigue, loss of energy, poor appetite, a mild fever and a sore throat and mouth.

“In very rare cases, complications of hand, foot and mouth disease can occur, including meningitis, encephalitis or paralysis,” Dr Proudmore said.

A case of hand, foot and mouth disease. Photo Contributed

“If an infected person complains of severe headache, stiff neck or weakness, or their fever persists and they are not getting better, they should seek medical advice from a doctor immediately. Hand, foot and mouth disease has very rarely been fatal.

“Blisters remain infectious only as long as they contain fluid, but faeces can remain infectious for several weeks.”

Dr Proudmore said paracetamol (Panadol) was the best way to cope with symptoms, but there was no specific treatment or vaccine for the virus.

“Protect yourself and your loved ones by promoting good hygiene, which is the best way to stop the spread of the virus,” Dr Proudmore said.

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