Florida State Sees Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak

[rangerrebew]

Florida State Sees Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak



A viral infection commonly found in infants and toddlers has made its way to the Florida State University campus, causing university officials to decide to cancel several events earlier in the week including fraternity rush activities.

School officials announced that several students at the school have been diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease.  Spread through bodily contact, the disease causes blisters or legions to appear on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth, as well as a fever.  There is no cure for the disease, which is more common in day-cares, kindergarten classrooms, and other places with small children, reports Caroline McMullen for The Tab.

    “We are aware of more than a dozen cases so far,” said Lesley Sacher, director of the FSU Health and Wellness Center in a university release.

http://www.educationnews.org/higher-education/florida-state-sees-hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-outbreak/

[mountaineer]

I've heard of some cases among the elementary school age children in our area. I guess it's appropriate that it would break out on a college campus, given how childish that age group continues to be.

[mountaineer]

W.Va. Sees Rise in Hand Foot and Mouth Outbreaks
Posted: Oct 04, 2016 11:03 AM EST
WTRF

With the school year in full swing, doctors say you should be on high alert for hand foot and mouth disease.

The idea of a hand foot and mouth outbreak can be alarming for parents.From painful blisters to fever and fatigue, there have been multiple outbreaks of the virus reported in West Virginia during the last month.

"It's pretty scary to think about that. You know, we're just being really cautious," said Sarah Gooding, a concerned parent.

Since the beginning of 2016, there have been 33 outbreaks of hand foot and mouth disease in the Mountain State. 20 of the reported outbreaks have been within the last month.

Pediatricians say the signs and symptoms are easy to identify.

"Feverish, doesn't have as much energy, and if you look in their mouth sometimes you can see the ulcers. Sometimes they are around the lips but it can be in the back of the throat as well," said Dr. Raheel Khan with Women's and Children's Hospital in Charleston, WV.

The fast spreading virus can also impact adults. Since there is no official treatment for hand foot and mouth disease, doctors say prevention should start at home.

Doctors say there isn't a set treatment for the illness, but proper hand washing is key to prevent the rapid spread of the virus. If you think your child might already have the virus, be sure to keep them home from school.

"If you have a child that has these symptoms keep them home, don't let them be around other kids. If you have a child with these symptoms be sure to control the fever," said Dr. Khan.

While you can't guarantee that hand foot and mouth won't make it into your home, you can take extra precautions to fight it.

"I know kids are going to touch each other but I will try to teach her the proper methods of washing her hands and keeping her hands to herself when it comes to interaction with other people," said Sarah Gooding.

Pediatricians say the virus is easily spread through coughing and sneezing, so teaching your kids to cover their cough and sneeze into their sleeve can be crucial to prevent spreading the illness.