Scientific Symposium on Applied Sciences Discusses Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Its Impact on Humans

The Department of Pathological Analysis at the College of Applied Sciences, University of Samarra, held a scientific symposium on “Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Its Impact on Humans,” presented by Assistant Professor Dr. Ameeda Ali Atiya.

In her lecture, Dr. Ali aimed to introduce the virus responsible for the disease, which belongs to the Picornaviridae family—a group of RNA viruses known to cause hand, foot, and mouth diseases.

The symposium highlighted that this fever is not considered a severe illness but rather a common disease that primarily affects children under the age of five. The illness typically resolves within 7 to 10 days. However, it is naturally contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces carrying the virus.

The lecturer recommended avoiding physical contact with infected individuals and refraining from using their personal belongings, especially during the first 10 days of infection. Additionally, she advised against touching one’s face with hands on the first day of infection to minimize the risk of transmission.