HFMD cases rise in Kashmir, Experts urge vigilance among parents

Saqib Rather
Srinagar, May 6: A noticeable rise in cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) across the Kashmir Valley has raised concern among health professionals, particularly as the infection continues to spread rapidly among young children in schools and daycare centres.

Doctors from several hospitals in Srinagar and adjoining districts report an uptick in pediatric visits linked to the viral illness over the past few weeks. While the disease is generally mild, its highly contagious nature has made it a growing public health concern.
“Most of the children we are seeing are under the age of five, which is expected since their immune systems are still developing,” said a senior pediatrician at a Srinagar hospital. “The good news is that the illness is usually self-limiting, but early care and isolation are essential to prevent wider transmission.”
HFMD is caused by a group of enteroviruses and spreads through close personal contact, respiratory droplets, and contact with contaminated surfaces or fluids from blisters. Health officials note that crowded environments such as classrooms and playgroups create ideal conditions for the virus to spread.
The infection typically begins with mild fever, sore throat, and reduced appetite. Within days, children may develop painful sores inside the mouth, followed by a rash on the hands and feet. In some cases, rashes may also appear on other parts of the body.
“Parents often panic when they see blisters, but awareness is key,” explained another healthcare expert. “If the child is drinking fluids, remains active, and the fever is manageable, it can be treated at home with proper guidance.”
However, doctors caution that warning signs such as persistent high fever, dehydration, unusual drowsiness, or breathing difficulty should not be ignored. Immediate medical attention is advised in such cases.
With no specific antiviral treatment available, management of HFMD focuses on supportive care. Doctors recommend ensuring children remain well-hydrated and are given soft, easy-to-swallow foods. “Simple home diets like khichdi, yoghurt, mashed fruits, and even cold milk can help ease discomfort,” a nutrition specialist added.
Authorities are also stressing preventive measures to curb the spread. Frequent handwashing, sanitizing commonly touched surfaces, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals are among the key recommendations.
“Children should stay home during the active phase of the illness,” advised a public health official. “Sending them back to school too early can accelerate transmission and put other children at risk.”
Most children recover within a week, but experts underline that community awareness and responsible behavior by parents and caregivers remain the strongest tools to control the outbreak.
As cases continue to climb, health departments are closely monitoring the situation, urging schools and parents alike to remain alert and proactive in safeguarding children’s health.