How to recognise and treat mumps, measles, scarlet fever and hand foot and mouth

Following the recent rise in Strep A and Scarlet Fever cases, this article will help you quickly identify common childhood diseases. How to recognise and treat mumps, measles, scarlet fever and hand foot and mouth.

People of any age can catch mumps, it is an unpleasant disease, but can lead to serious complications, including viral meningitis, pancreatitis and swelling of the testes or ovaries in adults.

There has been a marked drop in uptake of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine which has led to a rise in measles cases. The MMR jab provides 99% protection against measles and so is vital to control this potentially serious disease.  But Public Health England and PHW say the vaccine is slightly less effective against mumps, only providing about 85% immunity. Immunity against mumps also tends to reduce as people get older, which may be why more young people are now being infected.

It is therefore possible to catch mumps even if you have been vaccinated with MMR. However, the vaccination does reduce the severity of the illness and is likely to protect you from some of the more serious complications.

Mumps is a droplet infection, spread by coughs and sneezes and directly through contact with saliva from an infectious person such as through sharing drinks or kissing.

People who think they may have contracted mumps should keep away from university and social gatherings for a full five days as soon as they start to experience symptoms. In addition, it is extremely important that they wash their hands frequently, especially after blowing their nose and don’t share items such as water bottles or cigarettes with others.

Symptoms:

Mumps is most recognisable by the painful swellings at the side of the face under the ears.

Other symptoms before the swelling may include:

• joint pain
• headaches
• nausea
• loss of appetite
• high temperature
• painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries

Anyone displaying these symptoms of mumps is advised to contact their GP for advice.

Treatment:

It is important that you work on relieving symptoms until your body’s immune system fights off the infection. There are currently no medications to treat the virus.

The infection usually passes within a week or two.

During that time, you should:

• take over-the counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen
• eat soft foods such as soup which don’t require much chewing
• drink fluids, particularly water, but avoid acidic drinks such as fruit juice
• get plenty of bed rest
• apply to warm or cool compress to your swollen glands

If your symptoms don’t improve after 7 days, or suddenly worsen, visit your GP.

Measles and Scarlet Fever are also making a comeback.

Cases of measles and scarlet fever have increased considerably this year and parents are being warned to look out for the symptoms early. Parents and chlidcarers are also advised to know the signs of ‘slapped cheek’ too, as the rash can often be very similar to that of scarlet fever.

Measles cases are rocketing across Europe and there has been a considerable rise in cases in the UK too. It had been hoped that the number of cases would fall, as a result of the effective vaccine, but that doesn’t appear to have been the case and a lack of take up of the vaccine is now having a profound effect.  Cases of scarlet fever are also on the rise and are now higher than they were in the 1960s.  So – what are the signs to look out for and what can be done to help?

Measles

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be extremely unpleasant and sometimes leads to serious complications. It can affect any age group but is most common in young children.

The infection usually lasts from 7 to 10 days; however, it can lead to serious and potentially life changing and life-threatening complications. In some people if it affects their lungs or brain. The virus is also particularly serious if someone is pregnant.

Symptoms:

The initial symptoms of measles develop around 10 days after infection and can include the following:

• cold-like symptoms; such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a cough
• sore, red eyes that are often sensitive to light
• a raised temperature (fever), which could get up to 40C (104F)
• small greyish-white raised spots on the inside of the cheeks – these are classic symptoms of Measles.

A few days after this, a reddish-brown blotchy rash will appear, this usually starts on the head or upper neck and then spreads to the rest of the body.

When to see your GP:

Phone your GP as soon as possible if you suspect that you or your child may have measles. Tell them this is what you think it might be, as this is a highly contagious illness and they will need to make arrangement to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Please also see your GP if you have had close contact with someone with measles and you are not fully vaccinated or haven’t had the infection before – even if you don’t have any symptoms.

How measles is spread:

Measles is a highly contagious droplet virus which means it is spread through coughs and sneezes. The virus is able to survive on hard surfaces for quite a few hours.  Therefore, if someone touches a contaminated surface and then puts their hands near their mouth or nose, they may become infected.

People with measles are infectious from when the symptoms develop until about four days after the rash first appears.

How measles can be prevented:

Measles can be prevented by having the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The more people who are vaccinated the greater the chance of eradicating this disease.

The MMR vaccination is given in two doses as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme. The first dose is given when your child is around 13 months old and a second dose is given before your child starts school.

There was previously controversy about the safety of the MMR vaccine and a possible link with Autism. These concerns have since been disproved and the MMR vaccine remains a safe and extremely well tested weapon in the fight against this extremely unpleasant illness.

Adults and older children can be vaccinated at any age, if they haven’t been fully vaccinated before. Ask your GP about having the vaccination.

If for some reason the MMR vaccine isn’t suitable for you, a treatment called human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) can be used if you’re at immediate risk of catching measles.

Hand hygiene and extreme care when looking after someone who is infected with Measles is vital to reducing the spread.

Treating measles:

There are several things you can do to help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection, including:

• ensuring that everyone regularly washes their hands and uses hand sanitizer. Tissues should be disposed of hygienically (flushed down the loo) and they should always clean their hands after. They should always cover their noses and mouths when coughing and sneezing
• taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce your fever and aching and make you feel better
• drinking plenty of water and keep hydrated.
• closing the curtains can help reduce light sensitivity and make it easier for their eyes
• carefully clean their eyes using damp cotton wool and dispose of this hygienically
• staying away from nursery, school or work for at least four days from when the rash first appears

If you or your child are getting worse or experience any complications, get medical advice quickly.

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is a highly contagious infection.  Whilst it mainly affects young children, it can affect adults too. The symptoms for children and adults are the same, but it is much rarer for adults for get scarlet fever.  It usually lasts about a week. It is caused by a Streptococcal A infection. Strep A is responsible for many sore throats and skin infections.

Symptoms:

• scarlet fever can start with flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature and swollen glands
• a rash appear will then appear a few days later
• the rash usually starts on the chest and/or tummy. It is rough to the touch, pinky/red in colour and can look like sunburn
• the tongue can also develop a white coating

When to see your GP:

If your child has the symptoms listed above, they should see their GP

If, a week after seeing the GP, they are still unwell, you should make another appointment.   This is especially important if they have recently had chicken pox.

Should they be unwell again, even if it is weeks after having had scarlet fever, this can be a sign of a complication, such as pneumonia.

PLEASE NOTE – as Scarlet fever is very infectious, it is best to tell the receptionist when you call to make an appointment.  They may suggest a telephone consultation with the doctor, to avoid the risk of spreading the infection to those in the surgery.

Treatment:

Your GP will probably prescribe antibiotics and, although they will not actually cure the scarlet fever, they will help to prevent any complications developing.  People who suffer from impetigo are more likely to develop complications, so should be extra vigilant.

In addition, you can help the child by

Giving them lots of cooling fluids to drink and soft foods that will be easy to swallow with a sore throat

Administering child paracetamol to make them feel better and lower their temperature

Giving them antihistamine and applying calamine lotion to help with the itching from the rash

How to stop spreading scarlet fever:

Adhere to strict hand hygiene rules and always use soap and warm water to wash your hands after any contact with the patient.   Also ensure that used tissues are thrown away immediately and that all surfaces that have been touched are wiped down immediately.

Slapped cheek

Slapped cheek can often be mistaken for scarlet fever, but it starts with a rash on the cheek (which looks like the child has been slapped) and then sometimes spreads to the body a few days after that.  The rash usually lasts for around two weeks, but can continue after that.

The child may also have a headache, a sore throat and a high temperature.

Treatment:

You normally don’t need to see your GP for slapped cheek, but a pharmacist may be able to help with an antihistamine, if the rash is itchy.  Children’s paracetamol can also help reduce their aches and pains and also reduce the child’s temperature and they should drink plenty of fluids.

If you are concerned though, please do contact your GP.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

HFMD is a common infectious disease which affects mainly children aged 5 and under. It is commonly caused by viruses from the Enterovirus group.

HFMD can spread from person-to-person through close personal contact via blister fluid and unwashed hands, in the air through coughing or sneezing, contact with surfaces contaminated with faeces.

Symptoms:

• painful sores in the mouth
• poor appetite
• sore throat
• lack of energy
• fever
• skin rash with red spots
• sometimes blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, buttocks and genital area

Treatment:

• drink fluids to remain well-hydrated
• eat soft foods like soup – avoid hot and spicy foods and acidic foods as these are likely to be painful to eat due to the mouth ulcers
• take regular paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the pain from a sore mouth or throat

Click here for more information about how long to keep your sick child off school or nursery.

At First Aid for Life, we cover illnesses as well as injuries on our first aid courses and ensure you are equipped with the skills to recognise when there is something seriously wrong.

Please book on to one of our courses to ensure you have the knowledge to help your child in a medical emergency.

First Aid for Life provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.

Email: [email protected] or telephone 020 8675 4036 for more information.

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Measles Vs Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease: How To Distinguish The Symptoms?

by Ann Marie Bantigue

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and measles are two viral infections often mistaken as the other. Yes, both are infections and occur with almost similar symptoms. HFMD has rashes that can occur anywhere in the body. But, these rashes and blisters are mainly concentrated on the hand and feet with accompanying mouth ulcers. Measles, on the other hand, have rashes that appear all over the body with symptoms that include conjunctivitis or sore eyes.

Please note that hand, foot, and mouth disease is different from foot-and-mouth disease. The latter affects cows, sheep, and pigs, and is also called hoof-and-mouth disease.

Humans do not infect animals and vice versa, so the term is not synonymous with one another.  

Table of Contents

• 1 What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?
• 2 What is measles?
• 3 FAQs
• 4 Takeaway

What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?

HMFD is a viral disease that commonly affects children under five years old.

It is caused by viruses that belong to the Enterovirus family, like the unusual strain of coxsackievirus. It may occur in teens and occasionally in adults and is considered very contagious.

📌 In May 2022, India alerted the world of the possible HMFD outbreak that may become a global health issue. Severe outbreaks often affect a large population of Asia.

In temperate countries, the threat of HMFD may happen during the summer and fall seasons.

HMFD symptoms

The incubation period for HMFD is 3 to 5 days, or the time when symptoms begin to show. It will remain infectious when there is still fluid in the blisters, or the scabs are still there.

The symptoms of HMFD are:

• Flu-like symptoms (fever, sore throat, general feeling of unwell)
• Loss of appetite or refusing food and drinks
• Painful mouth sores or blisters inside and outside the mouth
• Painful swallowing
• Skin rashes on the palms of the hand and soles of the feet

HMFD rashes can be flat or slightly-raised spots that are not itchy.

Sometimes, blisters with red bases may also form in the area. But, they are not always localized in the hand and foot as these spots could also occur in the buttocks, legs, trunks, and arms.

Treatment for HMFD

There is no specific treatment for HMDF, and home treatment may be enough to relieve its symptoms.

A pediatrician may prescribe over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen to relieve fever. In addition, an oral cream such as Acyclovir or Daktarin may be given to alleviate mouth sores.

Because the mouth sores can get in the way, the child may not eat or drink so much. It puts him at risk for dehydration, which can be worse than the illness itself. So, please encourage your child to take more liquids to keep him hydrated.

Take your kid to the doctor for HMFD if:

• He is not drinking enough
• The symptoms do not improve after 10 days
• The symptoms are severe
• Your baby is younger than 6 months

What is measles?

Measles is an acute viral respiratory illness that also puts children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people at high risk. It is a highly contagious and dangerous disease caused by a virus in the Paramyxoviridae family.

The measles outbreak started in the early 1960s and affected millions of families annually thereafter. It was declared eliminated in the US in 2000, although outbreaks still occur yearly.

Vaccination helped curb the disease, but common transmissions still happen in some communities.

The measles vaccine (MMR) is one of the mandatory vaccines that an individual needs when traveling internationally to avoid its transmission.

Measles symptoms

The symptoms of measles could appear 2 to 3 days after infection. It may start with Koplik spots or tiny, white spots inside the mouth.

After 3 to 5 days, skin rash with flat spots will break out. They will appear to have become joined together as they spread all over the body.

The accompanying symptoms of measles are:

• Fever (more than 104⁰F or 40⁰C)
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Conjunctivitis (inflamed eyes)

In severe measles, these serious complications can occur or may even lead to death:

• Blindness
• Encephalitis (brain swelling)
• Severe diarrhea
• Ear infection
• Severe respiratory infection (like pneumonia)

Treatment for measles

Prevention is essential in reducing the contagion of measles.

The vaccine is given in two divided shots when the baby is between 12 to 15 months. The second dose is given when the child is around 4 to 6 years old.

If the child is not immunized, a vaccine can be given within three days of exposure to minimize its severity.

Vitamin A may also be given to reduce the infection or antibiotics to manage other complications like ear infection and pneumonia.

FAQs

Is there a vaccine for hand, foot, and mouth disease?

There is currently no vaccine for HFMD pending the regulation of the Enterovirus vaccine 71.

The EV71 was developed in China in 2015 but is still under stringent study to assure its safety and efficacy.

Why is HMFD not prevalent in adults?

Anyone can get HMFD, but lesser in adults because they have developed immunity against the virus. They also build antibodies after exposure to the virus, making them less susceptible to the disease.

How soon can I get the measles vaccine for my child if we want to travel internationally?

According to the CDC, the measles vaccine is not recommended for infants under 6 months of age.

You can get an early dose for your baby from 6 to eleven months. Follow the recommended schedule and get another dose at 12 to 15 months and the final shot at 4 to 6 years.

Can my child get measles even if vaccinated?

It is possible, but the chances are rare. MMR vaccines are very effective in developing immunity against measles.

Infections can happen if the immune system does not respond well to the vaccine.

Takeaway

Measles and hand, foot, and mouth disease can spread by direct contact or airborne droplets. It is also true for most of the common viral illnesses. The best way of keeping your family protected is by practicing proper hygiene.

Proper handwashing and sanitizer use can reduce the risk of infection. Face masks are a proven shield of protection that became globally enforceable during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.

Getting vaccinations lessens the susceptibility to many virus and bacteria strains. So, do not let your child miss their scheduled dose or do a catch-up immunization immediately. These vaccines are life-long protection and are every child’s legal right to receive them.

Categories Infant, Newborn, Toddler Tags HFMD, Measles

Measles outbreaks in Russia: symptoms, prevention, methods of control

Society a: measles vaccination was able to reduce the number of infections and deaths

RIA Novosti

Read 360tv in

Throughout its history, humanity has repeatedly faced epidemics of terrible diseases that claimed millions of lives. Herd immunity helped stop them. One of the clearest examples of this was the victory over measles. This year, several cases of infection have already been recorded in the country. We have collected the main things you need to know about this disease and the main way to protect yourself from it.

A dangerous infectious disease is caused by the measles virus. The sick people have a very high temperature – up to 40.5 degrees, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract occurs, conjunctivitis and a maculopapular rash appear. The most severe complication of measles is encephalomyelitis – in 10% of cases it causes death.

If a person does not have immunity to measles, then the probability of becoming infected through contact with a sick person is 100%. Vaccination is the only effective way to prevent measles in children and adults.

How measles was defeated

Active immunization against measles was introduced in the USA in 1963, in the USSR in 1967, after which measles lost its status as the most common disease. Measles vaccination coverage increased from 40% to 80% in the 1980s and 1990s. After that, the number of registered cases of measles in the world fell several times. So, in 1983 it was four million. And in 1994, this figure became equal to 800 thousand.

In the 2000s, measles immunization measures taken by the World Health Organization contributed to a decrease in measles infections and deaths. By 2017, coverage had grown to 86%. Global mortality from this disease has decreased by 80%.

According to Tatyana Ruzhentsova, Deputy Director for Clinical Work of the Moscow G. N. Gabrichevsky Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, at the beginning of the last century, almost the entire population had had measles by the age of eight, while the mortality rate was very high.

“Approximately 40% of sick children died before the age of one. With the introduction of vaccination, we saw a decrease in both the number of cases and deaths, ”the expert clarified on Channel One.

She noted that in Russia the level of measles vaccination remains high. About one to two thousand people are ill with it a year, while the number of deaths is only one or two.

Risk of return

In 2019, the incidence of measles in the US and Europe went up again due to the spread of vaccine opponents. After that, WHO warned that due to failures in routine immunization, there was a threat of new outbreaks of the disease.

Doctor of Medical Sciences, virologist Vladislav Zhemchugov, in an interview with radiookp. ru, pointed out that the cessation of vaccination in a tangible amount will again lead to an increase in sick and fatal cases.

“Measles has not gone anywhere, it really exists. And if you stop vaccination in a tangible amount, then the incidence will rise and be the same as a few years ago. All of Europe then suffered, there were many dead,” he stressed.

Cases of infection in Russia in 2023

On Wednesday, April 12, it became known that quarantine due to a measles outbreak was announced at the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas. Students were sent on unscheduled holidays until April 16.

The university website indicated that these days anti-epidemic measures will be carried out in the building. According to a 360 source, students were ordered to be vaccinated against measles during the period when the university is closed. After that, they need to upload a vaccination certificate to their personal account on the university website.

In the Novosibirsk region, as of April 3, a total of 105 cases of measles were recorded. In the Sverdlovsk region, eight laboratory-confirmed cases of measles are already known, and another 27 people are being diagnosed, the Uralinformburo reported. According to the publication, preliminary diagnoses were made to two children from Yekaterinburg and Berezovsky. Both were not vaccinated against the infection.

Professor of the Department of Virology, Doctor of Biology of Moscow State University Alexei Agranovsky, in an interview with 360, explained that the likelihood of measles spreading depends on the immune stratum of the population, the number of vaccinated people.

“You need to be vaccinated against measles, the vaccine is old, tested, good, and there is more than one. And the disease itself is very unpleasant, even dangerous,” the expert emphasized.

Agranovsky drew attention to the fact that measles can be imported to Russia from neighboring countries, where vaccination in such a volume as in the Russian Federation was not carried out.

“We didn’t have measles outbreaks because neighboring states were vaccinated when there was a single country.