Latest news with #enterovirus
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
#HEALTH: Managing HFMD in children
BETWEEN April and May this year there was an alarming rise in Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Penang, for example, saw a 409 per cent increase in cases between Jan 1 and March 22 compared with the same period last year, while in Johor, since the beginning of the year, the number of infections exceeded the total cases recorded in both 2023 and 2024. In Sabah there were already 4,385 cases up till April 19. As is the usual pattern with this disease the most affected were children in daycare and kindergarten settings. What causes this sudden spike in cases every year and what can parents do to protect their children? The spike in cases during certain times could be related to environmental factors such as climate changes, the circulating virus type and the low population body immunity towards these viruses, says Pantai Hospital Klang paediatrician Dr Tay Chee Pin. HFMD is a mild contagious viral infection which is caused by the human enterovirus, for example, the Coxsackie virus A and B and enterovirus 71, he explains. The infection is commonly seen in young infants and toddlers aged less than 5 years. In Malaysia, Enterovirus 71 tends to occur in a cyclical pattern, roughly every 2 to 3 years, says Dr Tay. "Even though it is a mild viral infection, some individuals can develop neurological complications such as meningitis, encephalitis or paralysis." Early signs of HFMD are fever ( temperature which is more than 38 degrees celsius), oral ulcers and skin rashes at the hands and feet. Others symptoms include body fatigue, poor appetite, diarrhoea and headache "The rashes are flat , red spots, sometimes associated with blisters and they can extend up to the elbows, knees, buttocks or groin area. It rarely affects other body parts," says Dr Tay. Since this infection spreads through nose and throat secretions like saliva, nasal mucus and fluid from its blister or the faeces of the patient, isolation of infected children is important. Dr Tay says parents must prevent the infected child from indulging in close contact such as hugging, kissing, playing or sleeping together with other children. They must also not share food or utensils. Parents themselves must be extra careful with hand hygiene, especially after cleaning the infected child's faeces so they don't pass the virus to others. In addition, they should sanitise commonly touched surfaces at home such as furniture to prevent other children from coming into contact with these contaminated surfaces. "Frequent cleaning and sanitising of the home including floors, surfaces of furniture, toys, bedsheets and utensils are important to prevent the virus spreading within the household." Dr Tay adds that like with the common cold and flu, children can be reinfected with HFMD once their body immunity towards HFMD wanes. There are also chances that these children can be reinfected by other types of Coxsackie viruses that cause HFMD. However, older, schoolgoing children with a stronger body immunity would be able to fight off the virus and hence not show signs and symptoms of HFMD. MANAGING A CHILD WITH HFMD *Provide regular ( every 4 to 6 hourly) fever medicine (paracetamol is safe to be given to children to control the fever). *Conduct tepid sponging of the child with room temperature water. *Make the child wear thin and soft clothing. *Maintain hydration through small and frequent feeds of fluids. *Throat sprays or drops can be used. *A cold and soft diet is encouraged. *Body lotion can be used to soothe skin rashes.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
New AURAK research calls for wider awareness of Enteroviruses in Arabian Gulf
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE: In a ground-breaking study, researchers at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) have highlighted the significant impact of enterovirus infections on public health in the Gulf region, particularly among children, through analysis of reports of cases in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area. The research investigated the characteristics of enterovirus and the mechanisms by which this virus infection leads to disease. In addition, it presented major diagnostic tools employed in enterovirus detection. Enterovirus and rhinovirus, also known as the common cold virus, belong to the same family of viruses that are a major cause of respiratory infections, particularly in children. The number of reported cases of enterovirus varies annually across Arabian Gulf countries. However, the reported cases demonstrate that enteroviral infections are highly common in children with serious illnesses such as brain inflammation or meningitis. Prof. Stephen Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success and Provost at AURAK, said: 'Enteroviruses are known in this region to triggering major illnesses, but not much research has been done in this field. I complement AURAK researchers for venturing into this critical area and providing pointers to health authorities on how to combat these viruses that have the potential to develop into a major health concern.' The study is published in the peer-reviewed journal Viruses, a publication that serves as an advanced forum for studies of viruses. Two AURAK biotechnology students, Mohammed Ayyub and Joshua George Thomas, co-authored the study, supervised by Dr. Rawad Hodeify, Associate Professor of Medical Biotechnology and Department Chair at AURAK. Dr. Rawad Hodeify, Associate Professor – Medical Biotechnology, said: 'Our study demonstrates that enterovirus infections in the Arabian Gulf countries have been associated with a wide array of diseases, ranging from mild symptoms to severe and life-threatening conditions, especially in infants and children. Reported cases demonstrate epidemic potential of the virus. We hope our insights are helpful to policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders in Arabian Gulf states working to battle viral infections.' According to Dr. Hodeify, in the presence of a normal immune system, most enterovirus infections are associated with mild or no symptoms. Some children can develop more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, inflammation of eyes, and gastrointestinal complications such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and mouth sores a rash on the hands and feet. In advanced stages, infection with enterovirus can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord tissue leading to permanent damage in the brain and nerves which can lead to paralysis or death. As enterovirus infections being asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, these diseases may be unnoticed till more serious symptoms develop. The study provides an overview of various sensitive detection methods that can be used to ensure accurate identification of the virus. Based on the findings, the AURAK study provides several recommendations. First, communities, schools, and nurseries, should be educated on the signs, symptoms, and prevention of enteroviral infections. Second, policymakers, public health organizations, and governments should invest in additional infrastructure and real-time surveillance to identify and respond to viral outbreaks more quickly. Third, funding agencies and governments should increase funding for research at all levels including basic and translational research and vaccine development. Fourth, hospitals and testing centers should invest in sensitive, rapid diagnostic tools to detect enteroviruses early and accurately. Finally, healthcare facilities and public health organizations should implement better data sharing systems to identify and control outbreaks, monitor disease trends, and save lives. About the American University of Ras Al Khaimah The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), located in the United Arab Emirates, is a non-profit, public university that offers a comprehensive set of accredited and internationally recognized undergraduate and postgraduate programs. With a focus on holistic education and practical knowledge, AURAK prepares students to become global citizens who are innovators in their respective fields. Through partnerships with top global universities and organizations, AURAK provides students unparalleled opportunities to gain international exposure and experience. This press release is issued on behalf of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) by Communicate Gulf FZE, SRTI Park, Sharjah, UAE. For media queries, please contact PR Consultant Anthony D'Silva on Email: anthony@
