Hand, Foot And Mouth Diseases Spreads Rapidly Across Delhi-NCR; Tips To Protect Your Child

Reportedly, the viral Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is spreading across the capital and its neighbouring states through schools and day cares among children under the age of 10.

A highly contagious viral infection known as Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) has recently started to spread rapidly in Delhi-NCR, prompting health officials and schools to issue advisories to curb the situation.

Health Officials Issued HFMD Advisory In Delhi

Reportedly, the viral infection is spreading across the capital and its neighbouring states through schools and day cares among children under the age of 10. As of now, there is no medication to treat this rare viral infection, but health experts suggest that early detection may ease symptoms and also prevent further spread of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD).

The Directorate of Education in Delhi has issued a guideline to tackle the ongoing spread of the viral infection, in which it advises the parents and guardians to be cautious of HFMD symptoms such as fever, rash on the hands and feet, blister in the mouth, sore throat and irritability. The circular from the Directorate also notified parents not to send an infected child to school.

Dr Neeraj Gupta, chairperson of the IAP Allergy Chapter, was reported to have said to the media that the spike in HFMD cases in Delhi-NCR may be due to the monsoon season. He said, “This disease is spreading due to the rain. Often, many types of viral infections occur in the rainy season. This too is a viral infection, which gets cured on its own within five to seven days. There is no specific medicine for it yet. In case of fever, only fever tablets can be given to children.”

He further added, “If the child does not feel hungry, then definitely give him whatever he asks for. Avoid giving outside junk food or open juice. Bring fruits home yourself, extract juice and feed the child only homemade food. Keep his clothes and toilet completely separate. Because this disease spreads from one person to another, the more you keep the child away from others, the less likely he/she is to get any other disease. The child will also recover that much faster.”

What Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral infection that occurs especially in children, but may also infect adolescents and adults. A child infected by HFMD may show mild symptoms such as fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash with blisters on hands, feet and buttocks. In severe cases, HFMD may also result in meningitis, encephalitis and polio-like paralysis may occur.

This highly contagious viral infection can be spread to people through the respiratory droplets of infected people while they sneeze, cough or talk. A person can also get HFMD by touching any surface of contaminated objects or items.

Tips To Protect Your Child From HDMD

As of now, there is no vaccine to protect against the virus that causes HDMD, but you can take certain precautions to reduce the risk of getting exposed to the virus. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that washing your hands with soap frequently, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, and coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, can reduce the risk of HDMD.

The US health organisation also emphasises the importance of keeping social distance during the ongoing spread of HMFD, while disinfecting your space and encouraging your child to wash hands.

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