Characterizing the Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Western India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/sjnx1e05Keywords:
Tomato Flu, HFMD, Clinico-epidemiology, EnterovirusesAbstract
Introduction: Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), also known as "Tomato Flu," is a viral illness predominantly affecting children under 10 years old. It is caused by enterovirus. This study focuses on the first outbreak of HFMD reported in the western region of India. The objective of the study was to explore the outbreak's scope and characteristics, including the distribution of age and gender, symptoms experienced, and the duration of illness. Methods: Epidemiological data, including age, sex, symptoms, and duration of illness, were collected from suspected cases, and samples were collected for laboratory diagnosis. Data analysis was performed to understand the extent, trends, and characteristics of the outbreak. Results: A total of 30 suspected cases of HFMD were reported, with the majority of cases (76.37%) occurring in children aged 5-6 years. Male cases outnumbered female cases. Most cases exhibited mild symptoms, with lesions observed on the hands, feet, and mouth. The average duration of illness was short, with all cases recovering within a week. The laboratory testing conducted in this study confirmed the outbreak of HFMD. Conclusion: This outbreak of HFMD in a private school highlights the need for vigilance and preventive measures to control the spread of the disease. The findings emphasize the importance of age and gender considerations in epidemiological investigations. The generally mild nature of the disease observed in this study supports the favorable prognosis of HFMD, but the occurrence of severe cases requiring hospitalization underscores the potential for complications. Continued monitoring and appropriate management are necessary to prevent severe cases and potential complications associated with HFMD outbreaks.
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