The city has witnessed an increase in Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) among children, particularly those aged two to seven years. This year, for the first time, doctors have also seen cases of repeated infection among children.
Some children have also developed the infection repeatedly, with two to three episodes reported in some cases,” he said. Most children recover with symptomatic treatment but in rare cases children with severe infections and high-risk categories might require hospitalisation. Dr Navrange added, “There is no specific drug treatment available, and prevention is difficult as the infection spreads easily through close contact. “Initially, fever and low activity are the only presenting symptoms, followed later by blisters and papular rashes. As the disease name itself describes it, rashes are usually distributed on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. But other areas are also involved: elbows, buttocks and knees. Rashes cause burning, itching and pain. “Schools and families should ensure children exhibiting symptoms of HFMD are isolated immediately and seek medical attention. HFMD spreads easily through contact with infected surfaces, toys, or direct person-to-person contact.
“We are seeing four to five cases every week and I have come across around 30 cases in a month. In most cases, children recover within a week to 10 days,” he said.
Seasonal weather changes and close-contact settings in schools and day care centres have increased the transmission of this highly contagious disease, according to doctors. Senior paediatrician Dr Jayant Navrange said HFMD cases have significantly increased among city children over the past five weeks, with infections spreading within families, housing societies and schools. Dr Anil Khamkar, academic head and senior consultant NICU, Noble Hospitals and Research Centre, said that HFMD is common in Pune from June to Oct and December to January. Blisters in the mouth and pharyngeal area lead to difficulty in swallowing and pain while eating,” said Khamkar. Dr Bhagwan Pawar, deputy director of health services, Pune region, said children between the ages of three and seven are particularly vulnerable, and school administration should take immediate preventive measures to stop the spread.
