Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is experiencing a surge in some parts of the U.S., according to recent reports from public health departments. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that the highly contagious virus is most prevalent among children under the age of 5, though people of all ages can become infected. In Virginia, the Fairfax County Health District has issued an alert for six outbreaks of the disease, primarily affecting children aged 4 and younger. The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Health has confirmed 189 cases of HFMD in St. Thomas, including a possible fatal case involving a toddler.
The Pan American Health Organization has recently issued an alert, urging member states to strengthen prevention and control measures for HFMD, especially in children due to their high vulnerability and the risk of serious complications in the central nervous system. Dr. Tina Q. Tan, an attending physician at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, has noted that HFMD typically occurs during the summer and early fall when temperatures are warmer. She has reported that more cases are being observed at this time, citing that while the infection is common and usually mild, it can spread rapidly in daycare and school settings, mainly due to its high contagion rate during the first few days of the illness. Transmission methods include sneezing, coughing, talking, and contact with contaminated objects or surfaces, according to the CDC. Moreover, the fluid from blisters can also be a source of transmission.
Parents and caregivers are advised that while infants and children might continue to attend daycare and school as long as they are symptom-free and can drink and participate in activities, they should take particular care to avoid open lesions and copious drooling if mouth sores are present. The primary symptoms of HFMD include fever, skin rash, and painful blistering mouth sores, which are often found on the hands and feet, manifesting as raised or flat red spots that can turn into blisters. The mouth sores, blisters, or ulcers can develop on the tongue, gums, and mucous membranes, according to Tan.
Most individuals with HFMD experience only mild symptoms and recover within 7 to 10 days without medical intervention. For those experiencing symptoms, over-the-counter medications can help manage pain and fever, and the CDC recommends drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. However, it is crucial to note that while complications from HFMD are rare, pregnant women are advised to seek medical care if they contract the virus. Patients or parents should look for signs that warrant medical attention, such as worsening symptoms, difficulty taking adequate fluids, a decrease in urine output, or any changes in mental status, which could indicate more severe conditions like viral meningitis, encephalitis, or paralysis.
Prevention measures suggested by the CDC include frequent handwashing with soap and water, as well as cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and shared items, such as doorknobs and toys. It is also recommended to practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of transmission among children in daycare and school settings. While there is currently no vaccine available for HFMD in the U.S., ongoing research may lead to future prevention strategies and treatment options for this highly contagious virus.