Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Prevention Tips for Back to School

As children prepare to return to classrooms, health officials are urging families and educators to prioritize hygiene practices. The Ministry of Health (Minsa) is focusing on preventative measures against the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease, a common viral infection.

Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Dr. Josseline Olivera Vera, an infectious disease specialist with Minsa, explains that the illness is primarily caused by enteroviruses, including the coxsackie virus. Symptoms include fever, general discomfort, sores in the mouth, and a characteristic rash on the hands and feet.

The disease is particularly prevalent among children under five years old. This increased susceptibility is attributed to the ongoing development of their immune systems and the close contact typical in settings like daycares and preschools.

Did You Know? The infection can disappear within a period of 5 to 8 days, but its rapid spread in childcare facilities and schools poses a public health challenge.

How the Disease Spreads

Transmission occurs through direct contact with nasal and throat secretions, blisters, or contaminated objects and fecal matter. While symptoms typically resolve within a week, the speed at which the disease spreads in group settings is a concern.

Preventative Measures

Dr. Olivera recommends that children experiencing symptoms stay home for at least seven days to limit contagion. Key preventative steps include frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, disinfecting toys and surfaces with diluted chlorine solutions, covering coughs and sneezes with the forearm, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Expert Insight: Prioritizing hygiene and early intervention are crucial steps to mitigate the impact of this common childhood illness, particularly as children return to more communal learning environments.

Seeking Guidance and Care

The Ministry of Health provides free, 24-hour guidance through the Línea 113 Salud, option 3. Individuals experiencing alarming symptoms are advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes hand, foot, and mouth disease?

The infection is caused primarily by enteroviruses, such as the coxsackie virus.

Who is most at risk?

Children under five years old are most frequently affected due to their developing immune systems and close contact with others.

How long should a child stay home if they have the disease?

Children should remain home for at least 7 days from the start of symptoms to prevent spreading the infection.

What steps can families take now to prepare for a healthy school year and minimize the risk of illness within their communities?

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: Prevention Tips for Back to School | Minsa Peru