Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is on the rise in some parts of the United States, reported by the public health department.
Very contagious Viral Diseases According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is most common among children under the age of 5, but can cause infection to people of all ages.
In Virginia, the Fairfax County Health District issued alerts for six HFMD outbreaks earlier this year, affecting children under the age of four.
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The U.S. Virgin Islands Health Service has identified 189 cases of illness in St. Thomas, including fatal cases that could involve infants.
In March, the PAN America Health Organization issued an alert urging member countries to “enforce more prevention and control of diseases, particularly in children, in their hands, feet and mouth. Central nervous system. ”
Tina Q. Tan, MD, an Doctor At Anne & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, the president of the American Infectious Diseases Society said HFMD is most common in the warm summers and early fall.
“We’re seeing more cases right now,” she told Fox News Digital. “It’s usually a mild, very common infection.”
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The most common disease-causing viruses are Cox Sackey and Enterovirus, doctors said.
HFMD can be sent via viral particles while sneezing, coughing, or talking, says the CDC.
People can also spread the virus after being exposed to contaminated objects or surfaces. In the case of a bulging rash, liquid from the blisters can also spread the virus.
“disease It’s very contagiousso it could quickly spread in daycare and school settings, Tan said.
Toddlers and children According to Tan, you can go to childcare or school as long as you don’t have a fever, feel good enough to drink and participate in the activity, and you don’t have plenty of lesions and lots of drool when you have mouth pain.
The main symptoms of HFMD include fever. Skin rash Painful, fierce mouth pain, according to the CDC.
“Rashes appear as bumps or flat red spots that are most commonly found in the limbs and can turn into blisters,” Tan told Fox News Digital.
“Painful mouth pain, blisters, or ulcers can occur on the tongue, gums and mucous membranes,” she added.
Most people only experience mild illnesses and get better without treatment within 7-10 days.
People can manage their pain and fever Over-the-counter drugs. The CDC also recommends that you drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration.
Complications are rare, but the CDC advises that Pregnant woman If you have a contract with HFMD, consult your doctor.
“Patients or parents should seek medical care if they feel uncomfortable with the symptoms they or their child has and feel that their symptoms are worsening. Mental state“Tan said.
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According to doctors, the most common complication of HFMD is dehydration due to painful oral lesions that prevent proper fluid intake.
“It can also cause nail loss in individuals with fingering involvement,” she said. “In rare cases, it can cause Serious complications Like viral meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis. ”
To prevent highly contagious viruses, the CDC recommends washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
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Tan also advised that people should clean and sanitize common surfaces and shared items such as doorknobs and toys.
There is none at the moment vaccine For US HFMD
