Ongoing reports of illness to the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) have shown a significant increase in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and associated outbreaks in the county. SMCHD advises community members to practice preventative measures, especially families with young children in child care facilities and schools. Adults can also be affected by HFMD. HFMD is commonly caused by different viruses in the Enterovirus classification. Symptoms of HFMD often appear like a common cold with a rash, such as painful sores that blister, especially in the mouth, on the fingers/hands, and/or on the feet. Most children who experience illness have mild symptoms for 7 to 10 days, but the virus can still be spread for several weeks after illness. Serious complications from HFMD are rare. Though HFMD spreads mostly in the summer and fall in the United States, it can still occur any time of year. It can spread quickly at schools and child care centers. You can get HFMD from: Contact with droplets that have virus particles after a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Touching an infected person or making other close contact, like kissing, hugging, or sharing cups or eating utensils. Touching an infected person’s […]
The post St. Mary’s County Reports Increased Levels of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease appeared first on Southern Maryland News Net.
Source: https://smnewsnet.comNew feed
Be First to Comment