Several cases of highly contiguous hand, foot, and mouth disease have been reported in pre-primary children in Tricity. As a result, some schools have switched to the online mode of teaching to break the chain of infection.
Mohali: At least six cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) have surfaced in a private school at Phase 7, Mohali.
Chandigarh:
- Few cases were reported in Delhi Public School, Sector 40. The school has switched to the online mode of teaching.
- St Kabir School in Sector-26 has reported one case and the school will remain closed for class nursery to class 2 and teaching has been shifted online mode.
- Bhavan Vidyalaya (Junior Wing), Sector 33, has also been closed as a precautionary measure.
- St John School has closed down until further notice.
The UT Health Department has also issued guidelines on the disease.
What is Hand, foot, and mouth disease, or HFMD?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease, or HFMD, is a contagious illness caused by different viruses. Infants and children younger than 5 years are more likely to get this disease. However, older children and adults can also get it.
Depending on how severe the symptoms are, samples from the throat or stool are being collected and sent to a laboratory to test for the virus. Testing facility is available at Department of Virology, PGIMER.
Symptoms of Hand, foot, and mouth disease, or HFMD
It usually begins with fever, poor appetite, a vague feeling of being unwell and a sore throat. One or two days after fever starts, painful sores usually develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that often become ulcers.
The sores are often in the back of the mouth. A skin rash develops over 1 to 2 days. The rashes usually develop on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. They may also appear on the knees, elbows, buttocks or genital area. However, it is not necessary that all infected show all the symptoms. They may only get mouth sores or skin rash.
How to control Hand, foot, and mouth disease, or HFMD Infection?
- Proper hygiene, including mandatory hand washing after contact with patient
- Personal items such as spoons, cups and utensils should not be shared and should be properly washed with detergent after use
- Articles such as toys contaminated by infected cases should be disinfected
- Patients with HFMD should be isolated and the usual isolation procedures followed for infection control.
How to prevent Hand, foot, and mouth disease, or HFMD?
- Washing hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers and using the toilet
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and soiled items, including toys
- Sharing of clothes, towels by the siblings should be avoided
Source: The Tribune