Another emerging Enteroviral illness in Male?
Since returning to work last Thursday, I have seen a few kids with what appears to be an Enteroviral illness. Enteroviral infections have the potential to cause epidemics. Epidemiological surveillance is therefore important in keeping tract of further cases to see if this illness could lead to an outbreak. I have reported the cases that I have seen for the benefit of surveillance and I urge other clinicians to do the same.
Over 5 kids were brought to my practice having moderately high grade fever for about 2-3 days. When examined they were all found to have oral mucosal lesions (ulcers or vesicles) over their hard and soft palate. The lesions were clinically very similar to those seen in both HFMD (Hand Foot and Mouth Disease) and Herpangina. Both of these are Enteroviral illnesses that have sporadically appeared in Maldives every now and then. A couple of these cases that I saw also had red, papular rash on their palms and soles.
Enteroviral illnesses are spread from person to person through respiratory droplets (minute droplets of saliva or secretions expelled during coughing, sneezing or even talking), feco-oral (via food or utensils contaminated with human waste due to poor hygiene) and via formite (illness carried on surface of inanimate objects soiled with secretions or saliva). Improved hygiene in day to day living and especially in caring for a sick child is of utmost importance in breaking the transmission route.
These illnesses are nonetheless mostly self-limiting, requiring no specific treatment. They do however cause significant discomfort during the illness itself.
If you suspect your kid has a similar illness, please do have him or her shown.
