Hospital distributes sachets to promote hand, foot, and mouth disease prevention

Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is raising awareness about hand, foot, and mouth disease, a common ailment from April to September. To make the health education more engaging, they are distributing traditional sachets, a custom associated with the Dragon Boat Festival, to children at their outpatient and inpatient pediatric departments.

The hospital is also incorporating educational elements through a "West Lake Defense Battle: White Snake vs. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease" play by the Lucky Grass Children's Theater and interactive games. These activities aim to deepen children's understanding of disease prevention.

Dr. Wu Yu-chin from the hospital's pediatric department highlighted a recent case of a 1-year-old child diagnosed with Enterovirus 71, which led to brainstem encephalitis. The child experienced severe symptoms like "startled twitching" and projectile vomiting. Fortunately, the child was treated within the critical 72-hour window and recovered without lasting effects.

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The most dangerous is the A71 type of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Severe complications usually appear 2 to 7 days after onset (average 3 days). Parents should closely observe if their child exhibits warning signs of severe illness such as lethargy, myoclonic jerks (startled contractions), persistent vomiting, and rapid breathing or heart rate.

Wu stressed that Enterovirus A71 is particularly dangerous, with severe complications often appearing within 2 to 7 days of onset. Parents should watch for warning signs such as lethargy, myoclonic jerks, persistent vomiting, and rapid breathing or heart rate. Immediate transport to a hospital equipped for severe cases is crucial.

To combat the disease, the hospital urges children and parents to practice diligent handwashing and home disinfection with diluted bleach. They also recommend the EV71 vaccine, stating that early vaccination and proper education are the most effective ways to protect children from severe outcomes.

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Early vaccination and correct health education can effectively reduce the risk of severe illness and are the most effective defense for protecting children's health.