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3 die of hand-foot-mouth disease in S China county

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-07-20 07:05

NANNING: Three children have died of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in a county in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region since July 7, local authorities said Sunday.

Shi Wen, deputy director of Pingguo County Health Bureau, said the county had reported 72 HFMD cases as of 4 p.m. Sunday, including three deaths.

Related readings:  HFMD death toll at 44 in Shandong  HFMD moving north: Experts  36 killed by HFMD disease in Shandong province  North China city rushes to contain HFMD spread  Fresh regional warning on HFMD

The HFMD cases first emerged in Zilou Village in Tonglao Town on July 7 and the epidemic soon spread to other villages.

Currently, 58 children infected with HFMD were still receiving treatment in hospitals.

The primary schools and kindergartens in Tonglao Town have suspended classes.

HFMD is a common illness that mainly affects children under the age of 10. It usually starts with a slight fever followed by blisters and ulcers in the mouth and rashes on the hands and feet. It is spread through  contact with the saliva or feces of the infected.