New Delhi: Clinics and hospitals across the Delhi-NCR region are witnessing a rapid rise in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases, with doctors reporting five to six new cases daily in Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida. The viral infection, which primarily affects children, causes fever, mouth ulcers, and red blisters on hands and feet, and is highly contagious.
HFMD is commonly caused by Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus-71, spreading through contaminated hands, surfaces, or direct contact. Experts note that monsoon conditions exacerbate viral activity, leading to increased infections. Schools, daycare centers, and playgroups are particularly vulnerable due to close interactions among children.
Symptoms typically appear 3–5 days post-infection and include mild to moderate fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, painful mouth blisters, and red rashes or blisters on hands, feet, elbows, knees, or buttocks. Most children recover within 7–10 days. Transmission can also occur via saliva, nasal discharge, fluid from blisters, and feces, and some carriers may spread the virus even before showing symptoms.
Children under five years old are at the highest risk, though adults with weakened immunity can also contract the infection. Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for HFMD. Medical care focuses on symptom relief, including paracetamol for fever and pain, and maintaining proper hydration.
Health authorities recommend regular handwashing, isolating infected children, and heightened hygiene in schools and homes as the most effective preventive measures. Experts urge families and educational institutions to stay vigilant to control the spread of the disease.