Pune. Cases of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) are increasing rapidly in young children in Pune. Especially children between 2 to 7 years of age are becoming more vulnerable to it. According to doctors, such cases have also come to light this year, in which the same child has been infected two to three times. With the change in weather, the pace of spread of infection is said to be increasing due to close proximity of children in schools and day-care centres.

According to experts, HFMD is a highly contagious disease. Most children recover from treatment in 7 to 10 days, depending on rest and symptoms. However, severe infections or weakened children may require hospitalization.

Cases increased in five weeks

According to senior pediatrician Dr. Jayant Navrange, there has been a significant increase in cases of HFMD among children in Pune city during the last five weeks. The infection is spreading to homes, societies and schools.

He told that about 4 to 5 new cases are being reported to him every week. In the last one month, about 30 children came for treatment. Recurrence of infection has been reported in some of these children. In some cases, the same child was found to have HFMD two to three times.

Higher risk in children younger than five years

According to Dr. Navrange, this disease is generally seen more in children below five years of age, although older children and adults can also get infected. In most cases the disease is not serious, but it spreads very quickly from one child to another.

To prevent infection, children have been advised to develop the habit of washing hands regularly and keeping household surfaces, toys and daily used items clean and disinfected. It is also important to avoid direct contact with an infected child.

Mouth ulcers and skin rash after fever

According to doctors, the major symptoms of HFMD include fever, lethargy, fatigue, mouth ulcers and small red rashes on the skin. These rashes can later take the form of blisters on the tongue, gums and inside the cheeks.

Dr Anil Khamkar, Academic Head and Senior NICU Consultant, Noble Hospitals and Research Centre, said that HFMD cases in Pune are usually seen more between June to October and December to January. Initially the child has fever and lethargy. After this, rashes and blisters start appearing inside the mouth and on hands and feet.

He told that the rash can also occur on elbows, knees and buttocks. These may cause burning, itching and pain. Due to ulcers in the mouth and throat, the child may find it painful to eat or drink water.

There is no specific medicine for the disease

According to Dr. Jayant Navrange, there is no specific medicine available for HFMD and treatment is mainly based on controlling the symptoms. Because the infection can spread rapidly through close contact, prevention is challenging.

Keeping a sick child separate from other children, paying attention to hand hygiene, and keeping items used at home and school clean can help reduce the spread of infection.

Schools advised to exercise caution

Dr. Bhagwan Pawar, Deputy Director of Health Services of Pune region, said that children between 3 to 7 years are being most affected by the infection. He has appealed to the school administration and families to immediately adopt preventive measures.

He said that children who show symptoms of HFMD should be immediately separated from other children and medical advice should be sought. This infection can spread through infected surfaces, toys, and direct contact.

According to doctors, most children recover within a week to 10 days. However, if the child's condition worsens, there is difficulty in drinking water, or serious symptoms appear, medical examination is necessary.