Rising Threat: Hand, Foot, And Mouth Disease In North Dakota Summers
With the weather getting warmer, many assume your chances of getting sick will decrease. However, your chances of getting this highly contagious virus actually increase.
During the colder months, in recent years, North Dakotan's have been worried about the flu, COVID and RSV.
You still need to watch out for all three during the summer, but your chances of getting infected with another virus increase during the warmer months.
Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease On The Rise In North Dakota
This disease is characterized by vesicles (small blisters that contain clear fluid) inside the mouth, on the gums, and on the side of the tongue.
On rare occasions, HFMD can turn into meningitis. Transmission Everyone is at risk for HFMD, but it usually occurs in children younger than five.
Most cases occur in the summer and fall. People are most contagious during the first week of illness. This virus can be spread via person-to-person contact through:
- Nose and throat secretions, such as saliva, drool, or nasal mucus.
- Fluid from blisters or scabs. feces (poop).
The virus can continue to be transmitted in the feces up to several weeks after the onset of infection when the person has no apparent illness.
Symptoms
Not everyone who develops HFMD gets ill. For those who do get ill, symptoms usually appear three to six days after exposure and include:
- Fever.
- Poor appetite.
- Feeling unwell (malaise).
- Sore throat.
- Painful Sores.
- They start as small red spots that blister and often become ulcers. The sores are often located on the tongue and the insides of the mouth. These often occur one to two days after a fever starts.
- Skin rash.
- Flat or raised red spots, sometimes with blisters. It is usually located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet; it may also appear on the knees, elbows, buttocks, or genital area. This often occurs after one to two days Diagnosis A health care provider can diagnose HFMD. Laboratory tests are not usually needed.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for HFMD. People with the infection should:
- Rest.
- Be given medication and liquids to control the fever and pain associated with the disease.
- Young children may be given fluids through an IV in their veins if they are not able to tolerate drinking water. Nursing infants may develop blisters and become dehydrated. Do not give aspirin to children with HFMD.
Outbreaks of Hand-foot-and-mouth disease are more common in June, July, August, September and early October, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Prevention
- Hand washing after contact with nose and throat discharges and feces.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and soiled items, including toys.
- Prevent close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups, with people who have HFMD.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth if you have the virus.
"Outbreaks of the disease are more common in summer and early autumn in the United States," the Mayo Clinic states.
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a contagious viral infection It's most commonly caused by a coxsackievirus, officials say.
"There's no specific treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth disease," the Mayo Clinic adds.
Take the necessary precautions to protect your loved ones this year from this dangerous and ugly malady.
Shocking Sex Offender Laws in Idaho, Washington & 5 Surrounding States
Gallery Credit: Ryan Antoinette Valenzuela
Internet Responds To Satanic Idaho
Gallery Credit: Kyle Matthews