Thursday 28 Mar 2024

Alert on hand, foot and mouth disease

ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco | AUGUST 06, 2022, 12:20 AM IST


It is learnt that there have been sporadic cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) among children reported from across the state. 

The Directorate of Health Services has stepped up surveillance and has initiated the required measures to prevent outbreak of the infectious disease. 

It is understood that 36 confirmed cases have been reported so far. Infants at home often get exposed to the virus through their school-going siblings. 

HFMD is an infection affecting children that causes sores inside or around their mouth and a rash or blisters on their hands, feet, legs, or buttocks. 

Anyone can have HFMD infection, but children under age 5 are most likely to get it. The infection spreads through coughing or sneezing, close contact like hugging, sharing cups or utensils, by touching surfaces with the virus on them. 

According to doctors, serious complications from the disease are rare and may include dehydration, viral meningitis, encephalitis, myocarditis and even paralysis.

Children who have been diagnosed with the infection should not be sent to school till such time that they recover completely. 


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