""We are seeing an increase in cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in school-aged children in Haywood County.
👉 HFMD is a common childhood illness that can cause fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet.
👉 It spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, touching shared surfaces, or contact with fluid from blisters.
👉 Most people recover in 7–10 days, but prevention is important: wash hands often, disinfect surfaces, and avoid close contact when sick.
⚠️ ⚠️Note for healthcare providers: While HFMD is not routinely reportable in North Carolina, unusually severe or clustered cases should be reported to the local health department for surveillance.
Symptoms
Symptoms typically appear 3 to 6 days after infection and can include:
Fever: A sudden rise in temperature is often one of the first signs.
Sore throat and loss of appetite: Painful sores can make eating and drinking difficult.
Mouth sores: Small, red spots or blisters may appear on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks. These can be very painful.
Rash: A rash of small, red spots or bumps, which may turn into blisters, can appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can also show up on the buttocks, knees, and elbows. The rash is usually not itchy.
General discomfort: Children may be unusually irritable or tired.
Most people recover within 7 to 10 days without specific medical treatment. The main concern is ensuring proper hydration, as mouth sores can make swallowing painful.
Prevention
Hand, foot, and mouth disease spreads easily through:
Person-to-person contact: This includes hugging, kissing, or sharing food and drinks.
Respiratory droplets: The virus can be spread through coughing and sneezing.
Contact with contaminated surfaces: The virus can live on surfaces like doorknobs and toys.
Fluid from blisters or feces: The virus is present in the fluid from blisters and in stool.
The best ways to prevent the spread are to practice good hygiene:
Wash your hands often: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating. Help children wash their hands thoroughly.
Clean and disinfect: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items, such as toys and doorknobs.
Avoid close contact: Do not hug or kiss people with the illness, and avoid sharing utensils or cups.
Keep sick children home: If your child has a fever or other symptoms, it's best to keep them home from school or childcare to prevent the spread to others.
WNCTimes
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