An outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease includes some cases in Boone County.
Area doctors are seeing an increase in cases of the viral disease that usually affects youngsters, according to local media reports and MESH, which serves as the Medical Multi-Agency Coordinating Center (Medical MACC) for Marion County
There’s no requirement that individual cases be reported to public health officials, said Cindy Murphy, RN, administrator of the Boone County Health Department.
“We do request that daycares, schools, etc., notify us of cases or outbreaks, so we can ensure proper control measures are in place to reduce transmission,” Murphy said.
“While anyone can contract hand, foot and mouth disease, children ages six months to five years are at highest risk and are the population that typically develops symptoms,” MESH said Wednesday, in its daily situational awareness brief. Painful sores and blisters in the mouth that are among the disease’s symptoms can cause children to stop eating or drinking, requiring the use of IVs to maintain fluid and nutrition levels, MESH said.
There is no vaccine to prevent the disease, nor any specific treatment for it, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oral sprays or mouthwashes can sooth pain; over the counter medicines can alleviate other symptoms.
The virus is spread by body secretions, including coughing and sneezing, or through contact with contaminated objects, including used diapers.
Frequent hand washing with soap and water can lower the risk of catching the disease, the CDC said.
Victims will first develop a skin rash, usually on the feet and hands, along with fever, loss of appetite and a sore throat. Not every patient will develop all symptoms.