With the UAE’s transition from warm to cooler weather, doctors are warning parents to be vigilant for symptoms of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease (HFMD), as the country experiences a surge in cases.
This increase is primarily affecting children, particularly those under 10 years old, as the virus spreads in schools and daycare centers during the seasonal shift.
HFMD, a common childhood infection, presents with a rash and painful blisters, often accompanied by high fever, joint pain, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
It is caused by a virus, typically Coxsackie, though other enteroviruses can also be responsible. The rash often appears around the mouth, palms, soles of the feet, and can sometimes affect the buttocks, especially in younger children.
Dr. Khaled Saad Eldine El Edlebi, a pediatrician at Burjeel Medical Centre Al Marina, explained that the seasonal increase in HFMD cases is most noticeable at the start of the school year and during the cooler months.
“As people spend more time indoors, crowded environments such as schools and daycare centers make it easier for the virus to spread,” he noted.
Dr. El Edlebi observed a 15-20 percent increase in pediatric visits recently and warned that this could rise further as the viral infection season peaks.
While HFMD is more commonly seen in children, adults are also susceptible. The disease is highly infectious, particularly during the first week of symptoms, and can last anywhere from 7-10 days, or up to two weeks for toddlers.
Medics highlight that the virus spreads through saliva, respiratory droplets, and stool. “You are still infectious even when the rash disappears, particularly if there are spots in the throat,” Dr. Rain Sim, a consultant pediatrician at the Canadian Specialist Hospital in Dubai, explained.
Dr. Sim emphasized the importance of early diagnosis to manage symptoms and reduce discomfort. “Timely interventions can alleviate discomfort and prevent dehydration, which is crucial, especially when mouth sores make swallowing painful,” she added.
Proper hydration and fluid intake are essential during this time to avoid dehydration, a common complication of the disease.
To help contain the spread, healthcare professionals urge parents to isolate sick children and maintain stringent hygiene practices, particularly in shared spaces like bathrooms.
Dr. Mamata Bothra, a specialist pediatrician and neonatologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, stressed the importance of keeping surfaces clean and encouraging children to wash their hands frequently.
“Preventing transmission involves not only isolating infected children but also ensuring that everyone practices good hygiene and avoids touching their faces after touching surfaces,” she said.
In severe cases, particularly when neurological symptoms or dehydration arise, medical attention is necessary, and hospitalization may be required for supportive care, such as intravenous fluids.
As HFMD cases rise in the UAE, parents are encouraged to monitor their children for symptoms and seek early medical advice. By following preventive measures and seeking prompt care, the impact of the virus can be effectively managed.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members