WHSV reports that childcare providers across Virginia have been notified of a warning of hand, foot and mouth disease, which is a viral illness that typically infects children up to age 5.
Anyone is susceptible to the disease, however, especial those with compromised immune systems and the elderly.
The Central Shenandoah Health District states that emergency department and urgent care visits for the illness have risen recently. "There were a total across the state of 376 emergency department and urgent care visits that a chief complaint or a diagnosis of hand, foot and mouth disease," Laura Kornegay, health director for the district, said. "Or, they had symptoms consistent with that of the diagnosis."
Symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease include painful mouth sores, fever, fatigue and a rash on hands and feet. Although there is no treatment for this illness, Kornegay says there are ways to keep the disease from spreading. Parents should encourage children to always wash their hands after using the restroom, and parents should keep children at home if they get sick.
BrightStar Care of Richmond supports families caring for their loved ones with infectious diseases. To learn more about our services please visit our website.
Source: https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/report-contagious-virus-common-in-children-spreading-across-virginia/1296550721