As the UAE transitions into cooler weather, doctors are urging parents to be vigilant about the increasing cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), particularly among young children. With the seasonal shift, health professionals are seeing a rise in HFMD cases, which are often more common during this time of year.

What is Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease?

HFMD is a common childhood illness characterized by a rash and painful pink blisters, usually around the mouth, hands, feet, and buttocks. In addition to the rash, affected children may experience high fever, joint pain, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Though primarily affecting children under 10 years old, adults can also contract the virus.

Why is the Disease Spreading Now?

Doctors have noted that HFMD cases tend to increase during the cooler months, particularly at the start of the school year. As families and children gather indoors to escape the dropping temperatures, the virus thrives in crowded environments like schools and daycare centers. This makes HFMD highly contagious, especially among children in close contact with one another.

Dr. Khaled Saad Eldine El Edlebi, a paediatrician at Burjeel Medical Centre Al Marina, explains that the rise in HFMD cases is particularly noticeable as the weather shifts. "We’ve seen about a 15-20% increase in patient visits recently," he said. "As we approach the peak season for viral infections, it’s important for parents to be aware of the symptoms and take necessary precautions."

Early Diagnosis is Key

Early diagnosis and treatment of HFMD can help manage symptoms, alleviate discomfort, and prevent complications. Dr. Rain Sim, Consultant Paediatrician at Canadian Specialist Hospital Dubai, explains that the rash typically appears around the mouth, palms, and soles of the feet, but can also affect the buttocks, especially in younger children.

The most common cause of HFMD is a virus called Coxsackie, but other enteroviruses can also lead to the disease. In some cases, HFMD is associated with Herpangina, a condition where rashes appear in the throat.

Highly Infectious – How to Prevent the Spread

HFMD is highly infectious, especially during the first week of illness. The virus can spread through saliva, respiratory droplets, and stool, even after the rash has disappeared. Dr. Sim emphasizes that children can still be contagious even if they don't show symptoms. This means it is essential for parents to encourage good hygiene practices, such as covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and ensuring children wash their hands frequently, particularly after touching surfaces.

Keeping children isolated from others while they are contagious is also crucial to limit the spread of the virus. Dr. Mamata Bothra, Specialist Paediatrician and Neonatologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, stresses that proper hygiene, especially regular cleaning of shared spaces like bathrooms, is key to preventing infection.

Caring for a Child with HFMD

Doctors recommend maintaining proper hydration, especially since mouth sores can make swallowing painful. "Prevent dehydration by ensuring adequate fluid intake," advises Dr. Bothra. If a child shows signs of severe symptoms, such as dehydration or neurological issues, medical attention may be necessary. In some cases, hospitalization may be required for supportive care like intravenous fluids.

What Parents Need to Know

While HFMD is typically a mild illness that resolves within 7-10 days, it is essential for parents to monitor their child’s symptoms and seek timely medical advice if necessary. Isolating sick children, maintaining good hygiene, and ensuring proper hydration are vital steps in reducing the impact of HFMD and preventing its spread.

By following these preventive measures and being vigilant about symptoms, parents can manage the illness effectively and ensure their child’s comfort and recovery. As the cooler months approach, keeping an eye out for the early signs of HFMD can help minimize its impact and protect others from getting sick.