Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease on the Rise in the U.S.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is becoming more prevalent in various regions across the United States, according to public health reports.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that this highly contagious viral infection is primarily seen in children under five, although individuals of any age can contract it.

In Virginia, the Fairfax County Health District has reported six outbreaks of HFMD this year, predominantly impacting children younger than four.

Emerging Concerns

Furthermore, the U.S. Virgin Islands Health Service has confirmed 189 cases on St. Thomas, some of which have been fatal among infants. Back in March, the Pan American Health Organization recommended that its member states enhance their preventive measures against HFMD, particularly for children, due to its potential complications affecting the central nervous system.

Tina Q. Tan, a physician at Anne & Robert H. Lully Children’s Hospital in Chicago and president of the American Infectious Diseases Society, indicated that HFMD tends to spike during warm summer months and early fall. “We’re noticing an uptick in cases right now,” she mentioned, adding that it’s generally a mild and common infection.

Transmission and Symptoms

The CDC explains that HFMD spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. It’s also transmissible via contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. The fluid from blisters can transmit the virus as well.

“The rashes tend to appear as bumps or flat red spots, usually on limbs, which can develop into blisters,” Tan explained. She underscored the disease’s contagious nature, particularly in nurseries and schools. “People are most contagious during the first few days of illness, but shedding through stool can continue for weeks,” she noted.

Parents might feel unsure about when to send their kids to daycare or school, but generally, if children are fever-free and able to drink fluids and participate in activities, they can attend. The common symptoms of HFMD include fever, skin rashes, and painful sores in the mouth.

If symptoms worsen or if a parent is concerned, they should seek medical advice, Tan advised. “In rare cases, serious complications, including viral meningitis or even paralysis, can arise,” she cautioned.

Treatment and Prevention

Most cases of HFMD are mild and resolve on their own within a week to ten days. For symptom relief, over-the-counter medications can help manage pain and fever. The CDC encourages staying hydrated to avoid dehydration.

While serious complications are uncommon, pregnant women diagnosed with HFMD are advised to consult their physician.

The main complication associated with HFMD is dehydration due to painful mouth lesions that hinder fluid intake. Parents should monitor their children and seek medical attention if they notice decreased fluid intake or changes in mental alertness.

In general, good hygiene practices like frequent handwashing with soap and water are vital to preventing the spread of these highly contagious viruses. Tan also emphasized the importance of sanitizing shared surfaces and items like doorknobs and toys.

Currently, there are no vaccines available for HFMD in the U.S.