Paediatricians in Pune have issued an urgent advisory to parents, urging them to isolate children immediately at the first sign of viral infection symptoms. This call to action comes in response to a significant seasonal surge in cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), chickenpox, and herpes observed across the city during the winter months.
Alarming Spike in Childhood Viral Illnesses
Doctors report that rash and fever have been the most common symptoms among affected children, though the appearance and location of the rash vary depending on the specific virus. Dr Jayant Khandare, consultant in paediatrics and neonatology at Surya Mother and Child Super Speciality Hospital, provided a concerning overview of the situation.
"Over the past six to ten weeks, we have observed a seasonal surge in childhood viral illnesses," Dr Khandare stated. He highlighted that hand-foot-and-mouth disease cases in Pune this season are two to three times higher than what is typically expected for this time of year. The most vulnerable group is children aged one to five years, particularly those attending daycare centres and preschools.
The rise is not limited to HFMD. Chickenpox cases are also about two times higher, largely affecting unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children under the age of ten. This points to persistent immunity gaps in the community. Doctors also noted a concerning re-emergence of measles-like infections in some pockets.
Key Factors Driving the Surge
Medical experts attribute this sudden increase to a combination of factors. Crowded classrooms and increased indoor mixing during winter provide an ideal environment for viruses to spread. The frequent hand-to-mouth behaviour of toddlers, shared toys and surfaces, and seasonal conditions that allow viruses to survive longer all contribute to the problem.
A significant challenge identified by doctors is the delay in isolation. Parents often mistake early viral rashes for heat rash or allergies, leading to continued exposure in group settings. Furthermore, with the exam season approaching in February, parents are sometimes reluctant to keep unwell children at home, inadvertently exposing healthy classmates to infection.
Dr Sharvari Kulkarni, a paediatrician at Apollo Clinic, shared specific data: Outpatient visits for HFMD have increased by 25-30% in recent weeks, mainly in the one-to-five-year age group. Chickenpox cases have risen by approximately 15-20% in children aged two to ten years, with most cases seen in unvaccinated children.
Prevention and the Path Forward
The unanimous advice from the medical community is clear: precaution is the best defence. Doctors strongly advise keeping symptomatic children at home to break the chain of transmission. Timely medical consultation, appropriate symptomatic management, and follow-up are crucial for a full recovery without complications.
Vaccination, practising good hygiene, and isolating affected children remain the most effective tools to prevent the spread of these viral infections. Dr Shailaja Mane, head of the paediatrics department at Dr D Y Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, emphasised simple yet powerful measures.
"While these illnesses are generally mild and self-limiting, factors like overcrowding and lapses in hygiene increase transmission," Dr Mane said. "Regular hand washing, using masks when needed, and keeping symptomatic children at home can significantly reduce the virus's spread."
Paediatricians stress that although these infections are typically not fatal, they spread rapidly. Therefore, a collaborative effort between schools and parents to ensure timely isolation is essential to protect the wider community of children, especially those with immature immune systems or incomplete vaccination histories.
