Debosmita Ghosh • 18 Jul 2024
Surge In Contagious Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease; Here’s What You Need To Know About The Viral Illness
Surge In Contagious Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease
Doctors in the national capital said that there has been a surge in the number of contagious hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). This is a very contagious illness that is caused by a virus. It causes blister-like rashes that form on your child’s hands and feet and painful sores that develop in their mouth. These rashes can appear anywhere in the body which also includes the chest, back, arms, legs, genitals and buttocks.
Experts say that infants and children who are younger than 5 are most likely to get HFMD. Even though the viral illness is mild and usually clears up on its own within seven to 10 days, it tends to spread quickly among children. Speaking to IANS, Dr Krishan Chugh, Principal Director and HOD, Paediatrics, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “We are seeing 4-5 cases every day, which is much higher than the average cases we used to see.” He also added that cases are mostly seen in children between ages 1 and 7.”
“It is usually self-limiting and settles in two weeks or so. It is spread by close contact, respiratory droplets and skin contact. Treatment is most symptomatic and prevention is to avoid close contact and respiratory isolation,” Dr Atul Gogia, senior consultant and head of Infectious Diseases at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told IANS.
Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease
Symptoms of this viral illness are usually seen in two stages. Here, take a look at some of the symptoms of the first stage.
- Mild fever
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Stomach ache
- Loss of appetite.
A few days later, you will start to notice new symptoms. Here, take a look at some of the symptoms of the second stage.
- An itchy rash on the palms of your child’s hands, soles of their feet, elbows, knees, genitals or buttocks.
- Painful mouth sores which can turn into blisters.
- Swollen lymph nodes in their neck.
Causes of hand, foot and mouth disease
The most common cause of hand-foot-and-mouth disease is infection from coxsackievirus 16, says Mayo Clinic. “This coxsackievirus belongs to a group of viruses called nonpolio enteroviruses. Other types of enteroviruses also may cause hand-foot-and-mouth disease.”
The illness usually spreads from person to person. Here, take a look at how the virus spreads, according to Cleveland Clinic.
- Airborne droplets when the infected person sneezes or coughs
- Contact with an infected person’s saliva or stool and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose
- Direct contact with an infected person’s blisters
- Kissing or hugging someone who has the virus
- Sharing eating utensils, cups, towels or clothing
- Touching contaminated toys, surfaces, doorknobs or other items and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Prevention of hand, foot and mouth disease
The spread of the illness can be slowed or stopped by keeping a check on hygiene. Here, take a look at some of the ways to prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease.
- Cough and/or sneeze into your elbow
- Disinfect high-touch items, such as toys, countertops and doorknobs
- Don’t share eating utensils, cups, towels, blankets or clothing
- Keep infected children away from healthy children
- Wash your child’s clothing, bedding and any other soiled items
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
(With inputs from IANS)