Enterovirus 71 (EV71) – Infection Signs & Symptoms

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) – Infection Signs & Symptoms

The mysterious disease (EV71) that hit Cambodia is a contagious virus infection most likely to hit children below 10 years old. In worst case, persons affected by these virus could die within 24 hours. Its most noticeable symptoms are the following:

• Fever that is persistent
• Mouth sores and rash on the hands, soles of the feet and sometimes the buttocks
• Weakness usually on the limbs/muscle pain
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal cramping

Prevention

1.        Since there is no vaccine against this disease, the most effective preventive measure is frequent and thorough hand washing, particularly after using the toilet, changing a diaper, before meals, and before preparing food.

2.        Another preventive measure is routinely cleaning shared toys in day care centers as well as in the home with a disinfectant, because the viruses that cause HFMD can live on objects for several days.