Japan issues alert over risk of hand, foot and mouth disease

The number of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) infections in Japan has exceeded the nationwide warning level for the first time in nearly five years (1 reliable source
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Japan

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The latest NIID report said that during the week ending June 23, nearly 3,000 paediatric clinics across the country reported an average of 6.31 patients per medical institution.

What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?

Marking the 13th consecutive week of increase, the figure breached the warning-level limit of five patients per medical institution, which had not been exceeded since August 2019, reports Xinhua news agency.

At the regional level, the Mie region of central Japan reported the most cases with an average of 16.36 patients per clinic, followed by the Hyogo region with 11.12 cases. HFMD, a viral infection, causes blister-like rashes on the hands, feet and inside the mouth, and mainly affects children under the age of four.

Symptoms include Feverloss of appetite, feeling unwell, skin rashes and sore throat. Sores in the mouth and ulcers on the tongue, gym And the inside of the cheeks can also be a sign of HFMD infection.

Children are at higher risk of contracting the disease, which can lead to encephalitis or other serious complications. DehydrationSince HFMD peaks in the summer, Japan's health ministry is urging people to wash their hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of the disease.

Reference:

1. Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Japan – (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/level1/hfmd-japan)

Source-IANS