HFMD spreads tentacles in Patiala

Tribune News Service

Karam Prakash

Patiala, August 3

With as many as 12 confirmed cases, the highly contagious hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is spreading fast in the city. Children aged below five years are at the risk of catching the virus.

In view of the rising cases, the Health Department has already issued an advisory to all schools in the district. In the advisory, the department has asked schools to identify children with symptoms of fever and rashes. The suspected cases are advised to be isolated from rest of the children for at least 10 days.

About hand, foot and mouth disease

• The disease is contagious and caused by different viruses
• Infants and children younger than 5 years of age are more likely to get sick due to it
• Disease usually starts with fever, poor appetite, a vague feeling of being unwell (malaise) and sore throat
• One or two days after the infection, patients gets fever and painful sores usually develop in the mouth (herpangina)
• They begin as small red spots and ultimately often develop into ulcers

Precautions

• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers and using the toilet
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and soiled items, including toys
• Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing utensils or cups with people suffering from hand, foot and mouth disease

It has been learnt that some schools, which have already reported HFMD cases, have opted for online mode of classes to avoid further spread of the disease.

The Health Department said the disease was contagious and caused by different viruses. Infants and children younger than 5 years of age are more likely to get sick due to it. However, older children and adults can also get it.

Advisory issued to schools: official

Some schools have reported suspected cases of HFMD. We have issued an advisory to schools. The cases reported so far are scattered. There is no clustering of cases. — Divjot Singh, District epidemiologist

Health officials said the disease usually started with fever, poor appetite, a vague feeling of being unwell (malaise) and sore throat. One or two days after the infection, the fever starts and painful sores usually develop in the mouth (herpangina). They begin as small red spots and ultimately often develop into ulcers.

District epidemiologist Divjot Singh said some schools had reported suspected cases of HFMD. “We have issued an advisory to schools. We have also asked government and private hospitals to report to us all suspected cases of HFMD.” He added that the cases reported so far were scattered. “There is no clustering of cases. Apart from schools, anganwari centres have also been asked to report suspected cases since the disease is mostly reported among infants.”

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