Increase in hand, foot, and mouth disease cases, alert doctors

Pune: Country is currently witnessing a surge in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). It is a common viral infection among school children and can interfere with their day-to-day routine. It is advised for parents to take utmost care of the children and stick to good personal hygiene practices, alert doctors.

HFMD is a contagious infection that happens due to the enterovirus genus, most commonly the coxsackievirus. Commenting on the same, Dr Atul Palwe, consultant paediatrician and neonatologist, Motherhood Hospital, Pune shared “We are observing three to four cases per day of hand foot and mouth disease in below 13 years age group. It is a contagious viral disease that takes a toll on infants and children less than five years old. This disease spreads from coming in contact with the infected child’s saliva, fluid from blisters, feces, and even respiratory droplets that are sprayed into the air after coughing or sneezing. It can be transmitted via direct contact with unwashed hands or a surface containing traces of the virus.”

Further explaining that HFMD being confused with monkeypox, Dr Atul said, “Many patients are getting tensed and making frantic calls as they feel the symptoms tend to overlap with monkeypox or chickenpox. Parents need to consult the doctor once they notice symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, malaise, poor appetite, and red blister-like lesions around or inside the mouth, palms, soles, hands, feet, and sometimes buttock. Remember that these symptoms will go away within five to seven days.”

Adding more on HFMD, Dr Sanjay Nagarkar, general physician, Apollo Spectra Pune said “Apart from blisters, children get fever and dehydration as it hurts to swallow liquids. There's no cure for HFMD or no vaccine to prevent it. Those children with HFMD will have to drink enough water to stay hydrated. The disease will go away without treatment. But, many children will need medication for painful blisters as prescribed by the doctor. It requires symptomatic treatment.”

“Do not take any medication without the doctor’s advice. Don’t forget to wash your and the child’s hands frequently with soap and water. Avoid sharing his/her cups, towels, and utensils with others, disinfect frequently touched surfaces. Do not hug or kiss the child who is infected,"Dr Atul concluded.