User:Mr. Ibrahem/Herpangina

Herpangina is a type of viral infection that results in small blisters or ulcers in the back of the throat. Other symptoms may include sore throat, fever, lose of appetite, and abdominal pain. Onset is about 4 days after exposure. Complications may rarely include dehydration, aseptic meningitis, or encephalitis.

It is caused by viruses in the enterovirus group. This includes coxsackieviruses A and B, enterovirus 71, and echovirus. The disease often spreads between children in daycare or school. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and examination after ruling out other potential causes. In complicated cases testing the throat may be useful.

Treatment is generally with supportive care such as ibuprofen and paracetamol (acetaminophen). Sufficient fluids by mouth are recommended. There is no specific antiviral. Symptoms generally resolve within 4 days and mouth lesions heal within a week.

Herpangina is relatively common and often occurs as an outbreak. While it occurs most commonly in children, babies and young adults may also be affected. Most cases occur in the summer or during the rainy season. It was first characterized in 1920 by John Zahorsky.