How many days has the media reported an increase in cases of "Singapore Flu". What exactly is this?
The actual name of this disease is Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) or Hand Foot Mouth Disease (PTKM), which is often "mistakenly" referred to as Singapore Flu, which is a disease that is actually quite common in children and babies. Because several years ago there were children who came from Singapore and had this complaint, it was mistakenly called "Singapore Flu".
This disease has an incubation period of 3-7 days.
This disease is characterized by fever; the appearance of rashes (rashes on the skin) and blisters (small bumps) on the soles of the feet, hands and oral mucosa; sufferers tend to have no appetite; malaise and pain in the throat. Usually, after one or two days after fever, complaints of pain in the mouth appear starting from blisters and then becoming mucus. Lesions can occur on the tongue, gums or other parts of the mouth.
This disease is not a serious disease, and will heal in 7-10 days, treatment is only supportive. The cause of HFMD is enteroviruses in general, including coxsackievirus A16, EV 71 and echovirus.
Indeed, in very, very rare cases, HFMD due to EV 71 can also cause meningitis and even encephalitis. EV 71 infection begins in the gastrointestinal tract which then causes neurological disorders. Apart from that, HFMD due to coxsackievirus A16 can also cause meningitis.
Indeed, HFMD is quite contagious. HFMD can be transmitted through direct contact, nose and throat fluids, saliva, fluid from blisters or patient feces. The highest period of transmission is in the first week of infection.
There is no specific prevention for HFMD, but the risk of contracting it can be reduced with Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS), such as washing hands with soap (CTPS). If the complaint is significant, it is better to consult the nearest health worker
Prof. Tjandra Yoga Aditama
Director of Postgraduate Studies at YARSI University
