Epidemiological Study of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Al-Kindy Teaching Hospital/ Baghdad

Abstract

Background: Hand, foot, and mouth disease is viral disease caused commonly by coxsackie virus A₁₆ virus. It is a mild disease and children usually recover with no specific treatment within 7 to 10 days. Rarely, this illness may be associated with aseptic meningitis were patient may need hospitalization.

Objective: To determine significance of clinical features of hand, foot and mouth disease.

Methods: A cross sectional study of cases with clinical features of hand, foot and mouth disease visiting the dermatological consultation unit of Al Kindy teaching hospital. Sampling was for Zyona and Edressi Quarter patients over the period of 1^st December 2017 to 30^th of November 2017.

Aim: To determine significance of clinical features of hand, foot and mouth disease

Results: The mean age of patients (100 patients) was 29.99 months. Males were 65 (65%) and females were 35 (35%), (P 0.23). Tenderness of skin lesions, Malaise and decreased Appetite were the most frequent symptoms. Winter months illness was common .Cases were diagnosed two days before seeking medical help, while home contact of patients was most common place for infection transmission .Involvement of palms and soles was universal and indifferent (100%). Groin was more commonly affected (67%), (P 0.015). Fever was present in 81%.