Hyderabad: Along with cases of viral fevers including dengue which are rising in the city, there is another diseases that is doing rounds currently: hand, foot and mouth disease — a highly contagious but relatively innocuous disease.
As per doctors, it is a routine disease seen every year around this time but it is quite painful for children and requires isolation and special care.
"More common among children less than five-years-old, it is caused by the Coxsackie viruses," said Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, paediatrician, adding that three to four cases were being reported everyday.
"The symptoms show up around three to six days after coming in contact with an affected child. It may start with fever, runny nose and cough which may last one or two days, and then itchy blisters appear on the soles, legs, buttocks, palms and hands. Ulcers appear in the mouth and child drools a lot because of the pain and discomfort," she said.
The symptoms last for about a week. There are no complications noted so far in India and is not significantly dangerous but parents need to ensure that there is no dehyderation.
"It's most crucial to focus on hydration. It can spread when the infected child coughs or sneezes, and when a person handles the infected child's stools, nose secretions, fluid from the blisters and saliva," Dr Santosh said adding that it could spread by surface contact.
Doctors have urged parents not to send children with the disease to school, parks, or parties. "Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. All that is needed is appropriate control of fever, judicious use of anti-itching creams or tonics and mouth washes as per doctor's advice, being thorough with first aid for seizures, and ensuring good hydration," Dr Santosh said.
