Increase in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Cases Among Children Reported by Delhi Doctors

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) predominantly affects infants and young children. It is characterized by a combination of symptoms including fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet. The disease is caused by various enteroviruses, most commonly Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71.

According to Dr. Krishan Chugh, Principal Director and HOD, Paediatrics, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, the number of cases has increased significantly, particularly among children aged 1-7. The highly contagious disease typically begins with a fever, sore throat, and general malaise, followed by painful sores or blisters in the mouth, on the hands, and on the feet. The rash on the hands and feet may appear as small red spots or blisters.

In some cases, it can lead to more severe complications such as viral meningitis or encephalitis. The virus spreads easily through close personal contact, respiratory droplets, and contact with contaminated surfaces or faeces, making outbreaks common in settings where young children gather. Dr. Atul Gogia, senior consultant and head of Infectious Diseases at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, highlighted that the disease is usually self-limiting and usually settles in about two weeks.

He emphasized that treatment is mostly symptomatic, and prevention involves avoiding close contact and respiratory isolation. Dr. Poonam Sidana, Director- Neonatology & Paediatrics at the CK Birla Hospital, pointed out that the hot and humid weather creates an ideal environment for the virus to thrive, leading to an increase, especially during the rainy season. Doctors have noted reports from Kerala of an epidemic sickness known as tomato fever, which is actually a misleading term for hand, foot and mouth disease.

Dr. Chugh urged parents and caregivers to be vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they suspect their child has HFMD. *(The story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed. )*