City Hospital (A Unit of EMC Hospitals) Senior Pediatrician Dr. Ajayeshwar Mahant has issued a warning to parents in light of rising cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), urging them not to take this fast-spreading viral illness lightly. The disease primarily affects children under the age of five, and timely detection and care can help prevent serious complications.
Dr. Mahant explained that HFMD is mainly caused by the Coxsackie virus. Early symptoms include mild fever, sore throat, fatigue, loss of appetite, and occasionally irritability. As the infection progresses, small red spots or blisters may appear on the hands, feet, and inside or around the mouth, causing pain and discomfort. This infection spreads rapidly, particularly in warm and humid weather, and thrives in crowded places such as schools, daycare centers, and playgrounds.
He clarified that the virus can spread through an infected person’s sneeze, cough, saliva, stool, or contact with contaminated surfaces. Therefore, it is essential to isolate infected children from others and maintain hygiene of their toys, utensils, and clothes. While HFMD usually resolves on its own within 7 to 10 days, proper care during this period is crucial. Children should get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, and be given soft, easily digestible foods. For fever and pain, medication should only be given on a doctor’s advice.
Dr. Ajayeshwar Mahant particularly emphasized:
“Prevention is the best cure. Encourage children to wash their hands regularly, avoid crowded places, and seek medical advice immediately if any symptoms appear. Negligence allows the virus to spread, whereas timely action can easily stop it.”
He further added that if a child shows severe symptoms such as persistent high fever, extreme fatigue, lethargy, difficulty in drinking water, or refusal to eat, they should be taken to the hospital without delay. Early intervention not only reduces the severity of the disease but also prevents potential complications.
In conclusion, City Hospital and Dr. Ajayeshwar Mahant appealed to all parents to prioritize their children’s health, make hygiene a daily habit, and act promptly to stop the disease from spreading — thereby protecting the innocence, laughter, and joy of childhood.
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