Doctors in Delhi have been seeing a slight spike in cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) among children aged between 2 and 7 years of age.
Earlier this week, as cases surfaced among young children, several schools in Delhi issued advisories instructing to isolate the child if symptoms like rashes, fever or mouth sores appear and disinfect toys, surfaces and frequently touched items.
The Indian Express speaks to Dr Manish Mannan, HOD Paediatrics & Neonatology, Paras Hospital, Gurgaon, on how the disease spreads, what parents should do, and what precautions to take.
What is the disease, and what are its symptoms?
It’s a viral illness commonly caused by the coxsackievirus, affecting mainly children under 5. The classic signs include fever, painful mouth ulcers, and a rash with tiny blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks. While it looks alarming, it’s usually mild and self-limiting.
How does it spread?
HFMD spreads quite easily in settings like schools and daycares. The virus transmits through direct contact with saliva, nasal discharge, stool, or fluid from blisters of an infected child. It can also live on surfaces and spread via toys, utensils, or unwashed hands. This is why personal hygiene and proper sanitation are crucial in controlling its spread.
Who is at risk?
Children below the age of 5 are the most vulnerable due to their still-developing immune systems. However, I’ve also seen older children and even adults contract the virus, especially when there is a close-contact environment or poor hygiene practices. Children in daycare settings are particularly susceptible.
How important is it to break the cycle?
Breaking the chain of transmission is absolutely essential. As paediatricians, we advise isolating the child during the contagious period — usually the first 5-7 days of illness.
Story continues below this ad
Encouraging handwashing, disinfecting surfaces and toys, and avoiding school or playdates during the illness can significantly reduce outbreaks. Prevention is key to protecting both the individual child and the broader community.
Should parents be worried?
In most cases, parents don’t need to panic. HFMD usually runs its course in about a week. The main discomfort is from mouth sores, which can make eating or drinking painful. My main advice to parents is to keep the child well-hydrated and manage the fever.
However, they should seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen, or if the child refuses fluids. Sometimes, the ulcers in the mouth become fulminant, affecting oral intake. In such situations, a child may need hospital admission. You need to consult your paediatrician immediately in such situations.
Could it be life-threatening?
Though very rare, complications can arise. In immunocompromised children, or in cases caused by more aggressive strains of the virus, HFMD can sometimes lead to viral meningitis or encephalitis. Warning signs include a persistent high fever, extreme drowsiness, seizures, or neck stiffness. These are red flags, and parents should seek immediate medical attention.
Hospitals, meanwhile, have been seeing 5-6 cases a day.
Story continues below this ad
Dr Dhiren Gupta, Paediatrician at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said the numbers have increased in the last week. “We are seeing 5-6 cases every day, mostly toddlers, but it could also affect primary school children,” he said.
Dr Vibhu Kawatra, paediatrician, pulmonologist, and allergy specialist, said he has been seeing 5-6 cases for the last week among children in the 3-7 year age group.
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood had earlier said that “stray incidents that often occur during the monsoon season” have been registered so far, and some experts have observed a surge in the HFMD cases.
