Viral attack on Thane kids
has Finnish twist
 Mumbai:
City scientists have found that a new strain of virus is causing
the outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) among city
children under five years of age. This strain was previously
noticed only in Finland in the fall of 2008, causing an outbreak
of HFMD along with nail-shedding among children. HFMD, a benign
but irritating viral infection, is characterised by painful rashes
across feet, hands, mouth and buttocks. It is also accompanied by
throat infection and fever.
The scientists belonging to the Enterovirus Research Centre (EVRC)
— an Indian Council for Medical Research laboratory located in
Parel — made the discovery when they took samples from various
children reportedly suffering from HFMD in Thane.
“Virologists from EVRC read the September 18 report in The
Times of India about Thane pediatricians talking about an HFMD
outbreak. They have since been collecting samples of throat swabs,
blood and fluid from the vesicles,’’ said Dr Sandeep Kelkar, a
pediatrician at Jupiter Hospital who is one of the four
pediatricians who was contacted by EVRC for the study. The other
pediatricians include Dr Sudhir Sane, Dr Suhas Kulkarni and Dr
Parmanand Andharkar.
A thorough diagnosis in the high-tech EVRC lab, which is
dedicated to studying enteroviruses such as the polio-causing
viruses, revealed a surprise—a new epidemic-causing strain. “We
had all along thought that the HFMD didn’t exist in India. But
when Malaysia, Singapore and their neighbouring countries reported
an HFMD outbreak caused by the enterovirus 71 (EV 71) strain in
2008, we began actively looking for instances at home,’’ said EVRC
director Dr Jagdish Deshpande.
Medical textbooks state that HFMD is mainly caused by
coxsackie A16 — which is a benign version — and EV 71, which could
lead to neurological damage (meningitis, polio-like symptoms) or
fatality. Malaysia reported deaths in the 2008 outbreak of EV71.
It is in this background that the EVRC team rushed to Thane to
collect samples. But EVRC’s Dr Vinay Saxena, who is conducted the
research and will soon present a research paper, found a different
strain causing the epidemic.
“We found coxsackiecirus A6 causing the Thane outbreak,’’ said
Dr Deshpande, adding that the scientific community is relieved
that there is no presence of EV71.
HFMD IN MUMBAI
In the August-September period, doctors in Mumbai, especially
in the western suburbs and Thane, started seeing HFMD in young
children. In mid-September, Andheri-based Dr Indu Khosla had told
TOI that doctors have been seeing HFMD on and off over the last
year. On Wednesday, Thane pediatrician Dr S Kelkar said, “The
outbreak is still on. In the last few days, I got 11 children with
symptoms.’’ HAND-FOOT-MOUTH DISEASE
THE MUMBAI STORY
Virologists found Coxsackievirus A6 causing the outbreak in
Thane. A6 was previously not known to cause outbreaks
CAUSES
Mainly caused by coxsackievirus A16 It spreads from person to
person due to contact with saliva, fluid from blisters, or the
stool of an infected person
SYMPTOMS
Most children have low grade fever Some also have an headache Most
infants lose their appetite Rash with blisters on hands, feet, and
diaper area; could be tender or painful Their throat is sore and
red Ulcers in the throat, tongue
COMPLICATIONS
Dehydration Febrile seizures (If the disease is caused by
enterovirus 71 (EV71), a worrisome and, at times, fatal,
complication could be meningitis)
RECOVERY
Between 5 to
10 days
TREATMENT
There is no specific treatment
Paracetamol and pain killers may be prescribed
Salt water mouth rinses
Drink plenty of fluids or cold milk\ products
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