10 cases of the Coxsackie virus reported in children in Huancayo and Chupaca

The head of the Regional Health Directorate (Diresa) in the Junín region, Luis Zúñiga Villacresis, reported that there are 10 cases of the Coxsackie virus in children under six years of age. The cases were detected in the provinces of Huancayo and Chupaca.

“We are seeing cases of Coxsackie in the region, minors who started with the flu, cold and then had blisters on their hands and legs. This virus is another one that is prevented by washing our hands correctly, if schools and colleges comply with it, we would not have any more infections. In Junín we already have 10 cases and it can increase if we don't have the necessary health care,” he said.

Because of this, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) issued an epidemiological alert, AE 006-2022. To date, 200 cases of this disease are registered nationwide.

Diresa Junín has emphasized that this is a highly contagious disease and the treatment being given to patients is analgesic, which can last from 2 to 10 days.

In addition, as asymptomatic cases can be reported, cases were isolated. In Junín, the minors had a fever of two days and, when it disappeared, blisters began to appear on the body.

Zúñiga Villacresis reminded the population that if a child has a prolonged fever for more than four days, the inability to drink fluids, lack of appetite or tendency to sleep should be transferred from immediately to a Health Center.

WHAT IS THE COXSACKIE VIRUS?

This is a virus that causes hand, foot and mouth disease with red, painful blisters on these parts of the body, herpangina (throat infection) and hemorrhagic conjunctivitis.

This is a virus that can be transmitted from person to person and is usually caused by not washing hands, having been in contact with surfaces contaminated with excrement, where the virus can live for days, and by sneezing or coughing. For this reason, washing hands with soap and water, wearing a mask, covering with the forearm before coughing or sneezing are all measures set to avoid contagion.

According to Mayra Saavedra, head of Epidemiology at the Regional Health Directorate (Diresa), the virus belongs to the Picornaviridae family, of the enterovirus genus, so called because they multiply in the intestine after ingesting unfit food or water.

In addition, according to information from health institutions in the country, the disease occurs more regularly in infants, children and adolescents, although it also has an impact on the adult population.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COXSACKIE?

Cases in Junín began with symptoms of high fever, headache, muscle pain, sore throat and then the presence of blisters on feet, hands and mouth.

Thus, the epidemiological highlights the main symptoms that will allow it to be detected in time. These are:

- Malestar general.

- High fever for 2 to 5 days.

- Sore throat.

- Blisters like sores in the mouth (tongue, gums), palms and soles of the feet.

REQUEST MEDICAL HELP

Through Diresa it was reported that telephone lines have been set up: 061-787927, 061-787933, 061-788053 and 951 642 156, so that personnel of the Integral Intervention Team can come to the applicant's home, from 07:30 to 18:30 hours, and verify which is the coxsackie virus.

The Regional Directorate of Health urges families and schools to increase hygiene measures at home such as hand washing, keeping nails short. In addition to controlling the temperature of the child.

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