What to know about the surge in hand, foot and mouth disease cases

Last week, the Illinois Department of Public Health released a Health Alert about the current statewide and national surge in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

The illness, which most commonly impacts children aged 5 and under, is characterized by blisters that typically present on the hands and feet, in and around the mouth, and the diaper area. Other common symptoms of HFMD include fever, sore throat, diarrhea and runny nose.

“Young children may refuse to eat because of the sore throat and are at risk of dehydration,” says Dr. Emma Olivera, a pediatrician at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “Focus on offering plenty of fluids with electrolytes to avoid hospitalization.”

Once a child becomes infected, they are typically contagious during the first week of illness. Despite this, it is possible to shed the virus for weeks through the respiratory tract and months through stool.

“We commonly see this viral rash each year in the summer and fall seasons, especially in those exposed to daycare settings. However, this summer, cases have been at an all-time high,” warns Dr. Olivera.

She offers the following tips for preventing the spread of HFMD:

• Educate children on proper handwashing techniques, including washing their hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Keep their fingers away from the nose, mouth and face.
• Clean and sanitize commonly used toys that may come in contact with your child’s mouth.
• Prevent your child from sharing foods, drinks and items that may touch their mouth, such as utensils and towels.
• Disinfect any surface your child frequently touches to prevent the spread of germs within the home.
• Thoroughly wash your hands after diaper changes.

“Treatment of HFMD involves at-home management of pain and fever,” she says. “There is no specific medication that can treat the illness. Instead, focus on keeping your child comfortable and preventing dehydration as the virus runs its course. If your child is not tolerating oral intake, fever persists or their rash appears to develop pus, contact their pediatrician.”

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