ITIFAQ LONE
LEH: The Health Department will conduct a thorough survey of all the schools in district Leh after the reports of school children getting affected with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in several local areas of the district.
The increase has been witnessed rapidly among the school children. HFMD is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person, particularly among young children.
As per the reports with The Earth News, dozens of students have been presently affected with the diseases on an epidemic scale.
One of the residents said that there have been more than 30 reported cases of HFMD in school children in different localized areas over the past couple of weeks. The majority of these cases are minor children and they are afraid that disease can easily spread among students who are in close contact with one another.
“School administrators and health officials must take steps to try to contain the outbreak and prevent further cases from occurring. Students who exhibit symptoms of HFMD should be sent home immediately and instructed to stay out of school until they are no longer contagious,” he added.
Amid increasing number of HFMD cases in the district, one of the social media users who turns out to be also a Surgeon and Social Activist posted on Twitter that school children in Leh are being affected with HFMD (Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease).
“Hope National Health Mission Ladakh (Health Department) is aware of it. At least, a health advisory to schools need to be rolled out,” he added.
Chairman and CEC of LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson said that the DC/CEO LAHDC Leh and Health Department have been informed for prompt action.
When reached out, DC Shrikant Suse told The Earth News that the Health Department is directed to conduct a thorough survey of all schools in district Leh.
“Similarly all Head of institutions of Education department have been directed to report any such cases to health department immediately and follow advisory,” Suse said.
While Speaking to The Earth News, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Nurzin Angmo denied sharing details about the exact number of children who have been so far affected with HFMD cases, saying she can share only during office hours since she was at home.
However, Dr Nurzin Angmo said an advisory has been issued for the schools and all the schools in Leh have been directed to inform immediately to the Health Department if they find any further case.
“We have asked Chief Education Officer Leh to report such cases immediately to the health department by primarily referring them to the nearest healthcare facility,” Dr Nurzin Angmo said.
HFMD is not a fatal disease and there is nothing to be afraid of, the CMO said and added that only few localized schools have been affected.
HFMD typically begins with a fever and sore throat, followed by a rash or blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth. While the illness is usually mild and clears up on its own within a few weeks, it can be dangerous for children with weakened immune systems.
