Latest news with #MouthDisease
Time of India
06-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Deadly daycare outbreak? Contagious disease spreading fast in US — know the warning signs
A significant outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is spreading rapidly across the United States, prompting health warnings from pediatric experts and local health departments. The virus, which mainly affects children under the age of five, has recently caused dozens of reported cases in daycare centers in New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland, along with over 180 infections in the U.S. Virgin Islands. HFMD is a highly contagious illness caused by enteroviruses, commonly the Coxsackievirus . It spreads easily in settings with close contact, such as daycares and preschools. The virus is transmitted through saliva, mucus, blister fluid, and contaminated surfaces, making it difficult to contain once introduced into group environments. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Mild Symptoms Can Lead to Major Disruption Although typically mild and self-limiting, the symptoms of HFMD can be uncomfortable for children and alarming for caregivers. Initial signs include fever, sore throat, and fatigue, followed by painful mouth sores and a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks or legs. The illness usually resolves within 7 to 10 days, but children can remain contagious even after symptoms fade. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Is Why Smart People Put Baking Soda in Their Shampoo Read More Undo Healthcare providers are emphasizing the importance of keeping infected children home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and can eat and drink normally. This reduces the likelihood of infecting classmates and teachers. While there is no vaccine or specific treatment for HFMD, supportive care such as hydration, rest, and pain relief with over-the-counter medications is recommended. Parents are advised to monitor symptoms and consult a pediatrician if their child shows signs of severe discomfort or dehydration. Live Events Prevention Depends on Hygiene and Awareness Health officials are urging daycares and schools to enhance hygiene practices to curb the spread of the virus. Recommended measures include routine handwashing, regular cleaning of toys and shared surfaces, and teaching children to cover their coughs and sneezes properly. Though not a reportable disease in most states, HFMD outbreaks are being closely monitored due to the strain they place on childcare operations and families. Increased vigilance, early detection, and proactive hygiene remain the best defenses against widespread transmission. FAQs: Q1. How is HFMD transmitted? A1. It spreads through contact with saliva, mucus, blister fluid, and contaminated surfaces. Close contact settings like daycares make it easier for the virus to spread quickly. Q2. Is HFMD serious? A2. While usually mild, HFMD can be very uncomfortable for children and stressful for caregivers. Rare complications like dehydration may require medical attention.
Indian Express
06-08-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Cases of Hand Foot and Mouth disease on the rise in Delhi; one school sanitises classrooms, another issues advisory
Classes for young children in one school have been moved online while another has issued an advisory after cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have been rising in the city. The disease, which usually affects children between the ages of 3 and 7 – has symptoms such as fever, rashes, mouth sores, and general discomfort. R.S. Junior Modern School issued a formal circular to parents on Wednesday, saying teaching for one class will be done virtually on Thursday and Friday, with classrooms being sanitised and washroom staff changed. 'We would like to bring to your attention that cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) are still being reported in the school. While we are taking all necessary precautions in school, we seek your support in helping us control its spread,' the circular read. It also asked parents to monitor their children for symptoms such as fever, red rashes on hands and feet, sore throat, or irritability, and to seek medical attention if needed. 'Do not send your child to school and inform the school immediately,' it warned. A parent of a Class 1 girl at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya (SPV), Lodi Road, said his daughter was diagnosed with HFMD in mid-July after she developed a fever and painful ulcers in her mouth. 'My daughter recovered but she missed classes. There is no formal advisory or awareness raised in schools on this,' he said. 'Our main concern is that some schools are closed, some are not?' He had initially ignored a message circulated in July in a parent group of R.S. Junior Modern School, Humayun Road, which read: 'Just a quick heads-up…there have been a few cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) going around recently. It spreads pretty easily among kids, especially in close contact settings like school or playdates.' It was only after his daughter fell ill that he realised she had also contracted the disease. While localised action is visible in some school campuses, many are yet to report any major rise in HFMD cases. Sudha Acharya, principal of ITL Public School and head of the CBSE Sahodaya Schools cluster in Southwest Delhi, said that no such cases have been reported so far from the 50 schools in the Dwarka region, nor any reports from major schools. However, she warned that monsoon illnesses are always a concern during this time of the year. 'We have issued a monsoon advisory and another one on dengue. We've conducted fumigation and asked students to wear waterproof and non-slippery footwear, carry raincoats, and drink safe water,' Acharya said. She noted that students have been reaching home late due to waterlogging in recent days. 'Some children reached home as late as 7:30 p.m. recently. We sent snacks and sandwiches for students who were stuck. The season causes huge distress, and we have cautioned students to be ready,' she added. Dr Vibhu Kawatra, paediatric pulmonologist, and allergy specialist said he is getting 5-6 cases of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease every day for the last one week. He said breaking the cycle is the only way out to stop the virus spreading further. 'If it happens to one child it spreads because it is contagious,' said Dr Kawatra, who works in a hospital in Malviya Nagar.
New Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Kelantan sees spike in HFMD cases, over 11,800 infections in young children
KOTA BARU: Kelantan has recorded 11,813 cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in the first six months of the year, as of epidemiological week (EW) 25 which ended on June 21, reflecting a 14 fold increase compared to the same period last year, according to state health authorities. State Health Director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said although the total number of cases has surged, a downward trend has been observed from EW17 to EW25. "The average weekly cases were recorded at 960 during EW17 but have since dropped significantly to below 400 cases from EW23 onwards," he said. He added children aged six and below accounted for the majority of infections, with 9,912 cases or 83.9 per cent, followed by the 7 to 12 age group with 1,679 cases (14.2 per cent) and 222 cases (1.9 per cent) involving individuals over the age of 12. "So far, a total of 138 HFMD outbreaks have been reported across all districts in Kelantan. "The highest number recorded in Pasir Mas and Kota Baru (29 outbreaks), followed by Kuala Krai (27 outbreaks). "Premises such as childcare centres, kindergartens and preschools are considered high-risk for outbreaks," he added. An outbreak is defined as two or more epidemiologically linked cases occurring in the same locality within the HFMD incubation period. Of the 138 outbreaks this year, Dr Zaini said 102 or 73.9 per cent involved such institutions while the remaining 36 or 26.1 per cent occurred at private residences. Dr Zaini said nearly all HFMD patients recover without the need for specific treatment within seven to 10 days. "No severe cases or deaths have been reported in the state," he added.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Selangor strengthens measures to curb rise in HFMD cases
KLANG: A series of proactive and comprehensive measures has been initiated to address the rising cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Selangor. State Health Department director Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsudin said the steps include early alerts, community engagement, institutional support, enhanced surveillance, targeted closure of institutions, continuous monitoring and transparency. 'We have observed a growing trend of HFMD cases in Selangor since late 2024, and an official alert was issued to all district health offices on Jan 2,' she said. Multiple town hall sessions and briefings have been conducted across Selangor's nine districts to educate childcare institutions and the public about HFMD prevention, Dr Ummi Kalthom explained. She also noted that inter-agency meetings were held with the state's education department, social welfare department, Islamic pre-schools, Selangor Islamic Religious Department, the National Unity and Integration Department and childcare operators to coordinate prevention and control efforts. 'Current data shows that most cases are caused by Coxsackie A16 (81.1%), which typically leads to mild illness. A small proportion of five cases involve the more severe Enterovirus 71. 'To date, no deaths have been reported in Selangor.' Institutions and childcare facilities hit by HFMD were temporarily closed under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342). 'Sanitation protocols are enforced to reduce transmission, with most centres closed for at least three to five days to allow for proper disinfection.' She also clarified that although Selangor has recorded the highest number of HFMD cases, the state's incidence rate, when adjusted for population size, ranks sixth. As of Epidemiological Week 17/2025, Selangor has recorded 27,118 cases, marking a more than 100% increase compared to the same period last year. Malaysian Public Health Physicians' Association president Prof Dr Jamalludin Ab Rahman said the rise is not unexpected. 'HFMD tends to occur in cycles every few years. It primarily affects young children and spreads easily in places like kindergartens and schools, particularly when they reopen after the holidays. 'The current surge follows the usual seasonal trend, as cases often rise during the south-west monsoon season due to changes in temperature, humidity and wind. 'Other countries in the region also experience similar patterns.'
