Docs witness rise in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease

MUMBAI: Doctors have reported an increase in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in the city. The infection, which is caused by a virus, results in painful reddish blisters in the mouth, hands, feet and thighs. It also leads to fever and sore throat.

Surya Hospital in Santacruz said that in the last three months, they have treated six times as many cases compared to the same period last year. Dr Bhupendra Avasthi from the hospital said the staff has seen over 3,000 cases since June this year as compared to 500 cases during the same period last year.

Dr Tanu Singhal, consultant paediatrician at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, said there is an outbreak every monsoon, but anecdotal evidence suggested that the number of cases this year are higher .

In the last two weeks she has treated two to three cases a day.

“This year, the disease is affecting older children, upto ages 6 and 7,” Dr Singhal said.

She also added that the cases this year are severe as compared

to last year. “There are more lesions and the fever seems to be lasting a longer time,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr Avasthi said that they are unaware as to why the number of cases this year have increased.

Doctors are treating the cases based on the symptoms. In most cases, they are prescribing paracetamol and lotions for the blisters. Doctors have also advised parents to not send their children diagnosed with the condition, to school, as the disease is contagious. Doctor Om Srivastava, an infectious disease specialist, said, parents must refrain from sending children to school till the symptoms subside.