TNNMC Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by enterovirus species A, with the most caused by enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), and Coxsackie A6, A10, A16, it is a member of picornaviridae family RNA viruses. The common sign and symptoms of Hand, foot and mouth disease are fever, fatigue ulcer or sores present inside or around the mouth and a rash or blisters on hands, feet, legs and the buttocks rarely involves genitals. Diagnosed by physical examination, throat swab, stool or blood sample to be taken to find out the causative virus. Symptomatic treatment is needed for this diseases. Analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to be given to relieve the pain. There is no special treatment is available for enterovirus 71. So preventive measures include proper hand washing and control the spread of diseases by proper disposal of excreta of infected persons. Nurses should know about this particular infectious disease in educate the parents and other health care workers.