Hand Foot Mouth Disease Rising in Hamilton County
- An increase in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is being reported by the Hamilton County Health department as children return to school, prompting health officials to remind...
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness that primarily affects infants and children younger than 5 years old, though it can occur in adults.
- The Hamilton County Health Department reported an increase in HFMD cases as children have returned to school.
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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Cases Rise in Hamilton County
Table of Contents
An increase in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is being reported by the Hamilton County Health department as children return to school, prompting health officials to remind parents and educators about prevention measures.
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness that primarily affects infants and children younger than 5 years old, though it can occur in adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes the illness as causing fever, painful mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet (CDC, Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease). It is indeed typically not serious, but can be uncomfortable.
Recent Increase in Hamilton County
The Hamilton County Health Department reported an increase in HFMD cases as children have returned to school. stephen Miller, Health Officer with the Hamilton County Health Department, stated the illness is common during this time of year (WCPO, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Cases Rising in Hamilton County). The illness is particularly prevalent among children in kindergarten through second grade due to close contact in classroom settings.
Symptoms and Transmission
HFMD symptoms typically appear 3-6 days after infection and include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Painful red blisters in the mouth (often on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks)
- A skin rash with flat or raised red spots on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes on the buttocks, knees, and elbows.
The virus spreads easily through close contact with an infected person, including:
- Touching an infected person’s blisters or stool
- Coughing or sneezing
- touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them
It’s significant to note that HFMD is *not* related to foot-and-mouth disease, which affects livestock (CDC, Frequently Asked Questions about hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease).
Prevention and Treatment
The Hamilton County Health Department recommends the following preventative measures:
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating.
- Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.
- avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Teaching children to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.
There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms:
- Providing plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Offering soft foods that are easy to swallow.
- Using over-the-counter