Attention! Contagious threat spreading rapidly in schools

Specialist Dr. Filiz Özdemir from the Department of Pediatrics stated that hand, foot, and mouth disease is generally seen in children of preschool and primary school age, saying, "This disease mostly appears in the summer and autumn months, but the increasing number of cases in schools recently shows that the spread is accelerating."

Dr. Özdemir stated that the most common symptoms of the disease include high fever, sore throat, rashes on the hands and feet, and sores inside the mouth. "Although these symptoms are generally mild, it can spread rapidly among children," she said. Emphasizing that school restrooms and shared areas play an important role in the spread of the disease, Dr. Özdemir said, "The disease spreads much more easily when shared areas are not paid attention to in terms of hygiene. When children touch such viruses and then put their hands to their mouths without washing them, the disease can be transmitted rapidly."

‘PROPER HAND WASHING HABITS MUST BE INSTILLED’

Özdemir stated that hand washing is the most important precaution in protecting against the disease and advised families to instill proper hand washing habits in their children. Dr. Filiz Özdemir also stated that school administrations have a major responsibility, saying, "School administrations need to attach great importance to the hygiene of restrooms and common areas. Regularly disinfecting these areas is very important to prevent the spread of the disease." Reminding that children should definitely not be sent to school if they show symptoms of the disease, Özdemir emphasized that transmission can be prevented in this way.

Stating that hand, foot, and mouth disease generally follows a mild course but can lead to more serious consequences in children with weak immune systems and in infants, Dr. Özdemir said, "Families should carefully monitor their children's symptoms and consult a healthcare facility in case of any suspicion."