Delhi-NCR Sounding the Alarm: Spike in Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease Among Young Kids: Signs, Spread & How to Shield Them

Delhi-NCR, September 19, 2025 - Pediatricians across Delhi and Haryana have reported a noticeable rise in cases of Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD) among children. Hospitals in the region confirm that the viral infection, while usually mild, is spreading quickly in schools and daycare centers, raising concerns for parents of young children.

What is HFMD?

HFMD is a viral illness caused primarily by enteroviruses such as Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71. It most commonly affects children under the age of 10, though adults can also contract it. The infection typically starts with fever and sore throat, followed by the appearance of painful mouth ulcers and characteristic rashes or blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes the buttocks and knees. The incubation period averages five to seven days.

While the disease is generally self-limiting and resolves within 7–10 days, dehydration due to painful swallowing is a common complication. In rare instances, severe neurological issues such as meningitis or encephalitis can occur.

Current Situation in Delhi-NCR

Local reports indicate a surge in pediatric cases in schools across Delhi and Haryana. Doctors emphasize that there is currently no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD. Management primarily involves supportive care: hydration, pain relief for mouth ulcers, and monitoring for complications.

Parents are advised not to panic, but to remain alert to early symptoms, including fever, reduced appetite, sore throat, and the onset of small red spots or blisters on the child’s palms, soles, or inside the mouth.

How HFMD Spreads

HFMD is moderately contagious. Transmission occurs through direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, throat discharge, blister fluid, or stool of infected individuals. Outbreaks are more frequent in the monsoon and early autumn seasons in India. Poor hand hygiene and close contact in crowded settings, such as classrooms and daycare centers, increase the risk of spread.

Dr. Priyanka Sehrawat, MD medicine, DM Neurology (AIIMS Delhi), General physician and Neurologist, Neuromed clinic, Gurugram explains the symptoms and how it spreads in an Instagram reel.

Children are most contagious during the first week of illness, though the virus can sometimes continue to be shed in stool for weeks after recovery.

Precautions and Public Health Measures

Medical experts recommend the following precautions to curb the spread:

• Maintain hand hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after diaper changes, using the toilet, or before meals.

• Disinfect surfaces: Clean toys, desks, and other objects frequently touched by children.

• Avoid school attendance: Keep affected children at home until symptoms subside to prevent transmission.

• Encourage hydration: Offer plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration caused by painful ulcers.

Health authorities also urge schools and daycare centers to step up sanitation measures and notify parents promptly about suspected cases.

Doctors reiterate that while there is no cure or vaccine currently available for HFMD, most children recover without complications. Parents are encouraged to seek medical advice if a child shows persistent fever, refusal to eat or drink, lethargy, or neurological symptoms such as unusual drowsiness or stiff neck.

Reference:

1. Sanjaykumar Tikute and Mallika Lavania. “Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in India: A Review on Clinical Manifestations, Molecular Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Prevention.” Indian Dermatology Online Journal 14, no. 4 (2023): 475–481. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10373810/

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