The World Health Organization's (WHO) Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response Department (EPR) spokesperson Gregory Hartl spoke to Xinhua on Thursday about effective prevention and cure measures for hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD).

Hartl, who also served as project leader of the EPR's Information Management and Communications, said HFMD can be transmitted through the respiratory tract and fecal waste, and that cases of the disease have previously been reported in many countries around the world.

Measures that can be taken to avoid getting infected with the virus include frequent hand-washing and laundry, and covering one's mouth while coughing and sneezing, Hartl said.

Symptoms of HFMD include the eruption of rashes on the palms, soles and mouth, he added.

Young patients with such symptoms must drink a lot of water and stay well nourished, Hartl advised.

It is important that people know more about the disease and its symptoms, he said, adding that the Chinese government is launching extensive training of personnel and campaigns on HFMD in the wake of a recent outbreak.

(Xinhua News Agency May 9, 2008)