By Esther Tan

WHEN Muhammad Shahril Izhar Kamarudin, 12, was diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) late last month, his mother was not overly worried.

The normally mild childhood infection has hit more than 17,000 children this year, and most recovered after resting for a week and drinking plenty of fluids.

But over the weekend, Shahril's condition took a turn for the worse, said his 34-year-old mother Roslinda Mohamad Ali.

Hand, foot and mouth disease

HAND, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by the Coxsackie virus and Enterovirus 71. Sufferers develop small ulcers in the throat and on the tonsils, while a rash may develop on the hands, feet, and diaper area. The rash usually heals in five to seven days.

Other symptoms of HFMD are fever, headache, sore throat, ulcers on the mouth and tongue, and a loss of appetite.

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