HFMD cases in Odisha: No need to panic, says public health director

The cases of hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) are rising in Odisha. This has now prompted the health department to swing into action and intensify surveillance measures. So far 26 children have been diagnosed with the HFM disease in Odisha and their condition is stable.

Out of the 36 samples that were collected and tested in the Regional Medical Research Centre in Bhubaneswar, 26 were found to be HFMD positive. Health officials said that of the 26 HFMD-infected children, 19 are from Bhubaneswar, three from Puri, and two each from Cuttack and Puri. All those infected are in the age group of 1-9.

Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra on Friday said that despite the 26 cases, there is no need to panic as the fatality is low in HFMD.

“There is no need to panic as around 99 % patients get cured. All the patients need to be administered symptomatic treatment,” said Mishra.

According to Mishra, the duration of the disease is around 7 to 10 days and the infected children needs to be kept in isolation.

“The parents of children affected by HMFD need to take care that their wards do not suffer from dehydration. If it is checked then there will be less complications. Apart from this, little care is also required as far is blisters are concerned. It is a viral disease and hence there is no need to panic,” Mishra added.