Coxsackie Virus Outbreak Hits Mumbai, Doctors Sound Alarm
Coxsackie Virus Outbreak Hits Mumbai, Doctors Sound Alarm
A rapidly spreading infectious disease has taken hold of Mumbai, prompting doctors to urge extra caution for children and senior citizens with weakened immune systems. The Coxsackie virus, typically affecting children, presents with chickenpox-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat, and small blisters or rashes on hands, feet, and mouth.
As the sores develop into painful ulcers, infected children experience difficulty eating and drinking. The virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, or contact with an infected person, putting vulnerable populations at risk.
Doctors have identified distinctive symptoms of the Coxsackie virus. Unlike chickenpox, which causes sores on the chest and back accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, Coxsackie causes sores on fingers, palms, knees, buttocks, hands, and body joints. Symptoms take approximately 36 days to appear.
To combat the outbreak, pediatricians advise parents to keep infected children home from school for at least a week. Regular hand washing and precautions can prevent infection. Ice or syrup can alleviate discomfort.
The outbreak has raised concerns, as the virus now affects children between 6 and 12 years old, beyond its initial confines of those under six. Mumbai’s health system is on high alert, with private hospitals reporting three to four cases daily.
Despite this, no cases have been registered in municipal hospitals, sparking concerns about the accuracy of reporting. The situation underscores the need for vigilance and precautions to combat the outbreak.
Infected children can spread the disease to others. Parents should not send the affected child to school for at least a week.” By staying informed and taking preventive measures, Mumbai residents can mitigate the spread of the Coxsackie virus.
