NCR schools witness rise in cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

The spike in cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) has forced many NCR schools to opt for online classes mode. An advisory has been issued by many schools to sensitize the parents about the viral infection that is spreading fast among school children, especially among primary class students.

Prominent schools in Delhi have issued an advisory on their websites to sensitize the parents about the disease.

“A few cases of Hand, foot and Mouth disease (HFMD) have been reported among students of a junior school in the past one week. It is a common, self-limiting but highly contagious viral disease that usually affects infants and children less than 5 years old. But, sometimes even older children and adults may be affected,” the advisory read.

“It is caused by Enterovirus genus, most commonly, strains of coxsackievirus Mode of Transmission. Spreads by contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva or other secretions of infected, persons, or after touching contaminated objects,” the advisory read.

“Signs and Symptoms- Fever, Sore throat, Malaise and loss of appetite, Red blister like lesions around or inside the mouth, palms, soles, hands, feet and sometimes buttock. No specific treatment and only symptomatic treatment such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen is given for fever and discomfort. Signs and symptoms usually disappear in seven to ten days,” the advisory read.

“Prevention and Control- wash your and child’s hands frequently with soap and water. Avoid sharing cups, towels and utensils and disinfect premises and all infected materials such as cups, towels, and utensils. Avoid close contact such as hugging and kissing a child who is infected. Disinfect the classroom surfaces that people frequently touch…,” the advisory read.

Dr DK Gupta, MD, Felix hospital, Noida, also confirmed that there has been a spike in the cases of HFMD, but urged parents not to panic.

“It happens every year. This year we are witnessing four-ten cases every day at the out-patient department (OPD). It is a common viral infection that spreads either through contact with the infected persons or through cough and sneezing. The virus can lead to rashes on the hands, foot and mouth and the symptoms can continue for two-three weeks. There is no need to panic, however, hand hygiene is important to prevent such cases,” said Dr Gupta.

Yatharth Tyagi, Director of the Yatharth hospital, Noida, also said that a couple of cases of HFMD are being reported at OPD.

Some prominent schools in Noida and Greater Noida have also switched to online teaching mode for primary standards.

The administration, however, says that they have not been informed about this and neither they have received any guidelines from the state authorities.

CMO, Gautam Budh Nagar, Sushil Sharma said, “No such information has been shared by any of the schools so far. No directive has come from Lucknow over hand-foot and mouth or any other such disease. The schools shall tell us about any such incident, so far, no school has informed us about any such incident.”

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