There is a recent meteoric rise in the number of HFMD cases in young children in Delhi with some schools issuing advisories, moving to online classes and rolling out sanitisation and preventative measures. There has been a reported augmentation in the daily caseload in outpatient clinics, although administrators in Delhi call them stray incidents.
Context
What is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?
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Type: A viral infection which is contagious.
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Age Group: 3 to 7 years among the children.
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Causative Agents: At most common caused by Coxsackievirus A16 or Enterovirus 71.
Transmission:
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Person to person, through respiratory droplets.
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Infection through surfaces, toys or through polluted hands.
Symptoms:
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Fever.
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Aching changes in the mouth.
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Red rashes / blisters on the palms of hands and soles of feet.
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Irritableness and malaise.
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Lost appetite at times.
Administrative and Government Response
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The Delhi Education Minister said:
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Talked about the HFMD cases as the ones that are all subject to stray monsoon season incidences.
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No health advisory has been declared so far.
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They caution that they should not cause panic as this can happen with isolated cases.
Precautionary Measures Recommended
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For Parents |
For Schools |
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Isolate child if symptoms appear |
Shift classes online if needed |
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Disinfect toys and surfaces |
Sanitise classrooms and washrooms |
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Avoid sending sick children to school |
Issue health advisories to parents |
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Monitor for fever, rashes, sores |
Conduct fumigation and hygiene drives |
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Consult a paediatrician |
Ensure clean drinking water and footwear hygiene |
Why does it matter?
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Public Health: HFMD is very contagious in school environments.
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School Operations: Creates a hindrance of learning, in case of outbreaks.
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Star Rating Preparedness: Demonstrates deficiencies in the health communication and standardized school procedures.
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Parental Awareness: There should be some clear advice so as to avoid underrating or late isolation.
Conclusion
HFMD is non-threatening to life, however, its propensity to spread in the overcrowded school space dictates that supply-isolation and hygienic practices must be implemented. The cases being witnessed in Delhi strengthens the essence of coordinated health advisories, parental awareness, and institutional preparedness to forestall occurrences of localised outbreaks that might develop into a community health issue.
