US Doctors Alarmed As Highly Contagious Virus Goes ‘Out of Control’: How To Stay Safe From Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease

According to Agwu, a professor of adult and paediatric infectious disease, in the state of Maryland, cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease are at 4 to 5 times higher than what they saw this time last year.

With the onset of the fall season in the United States, cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) spike, leaving many residents deeply worried. Some of the US states that are highly affected by the contagious virus include Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

HFMD Cases 'Out Of Control' In The US

Dr. Allison Agwu, a professor of adult and paediatric infectious disease at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, told the media, "This year cases seem to be out of control " According to Dr. Agwu, a healthcare professional in the state of Maryland, cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease are at 4 to 5 times higher than what they saw this time last year.

"Some years you'll see a lot of cases, like we are seeing this year, and then it kind of fades away, where you don't hear about it for a while," said Dr. Matthew Thomas, a paediatric infectious disease specialist at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's in West Virginia.

Can Anyone Get HFMD Virus?

As the highly contagious virus only peaks with time in the United States, it is crucial to know the signs of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, which generally affects children under the age of 5, but can also cause symptoms in older kids and adults.

Symptoms Of Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is a virus that belongs to enterovirus family that presents a wide range of symptoms. In the case of the HFMD virus, Dr. Thomas told the area that people may typically have symptoms of a common cold, which include fever and ra unny nose.

He said, "But then a common feature is that they will have a rash, typically on the hands and feet, as well as ulcers or blisters within the mouth." Additionally, Dr. Jennifer Duchon, associate professor in the divisions of paediatric disease and newborn at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, said, "Sometimes people's hands and feet skin will start to peel after the rash goes away." She added, "In really dramatic cases, sometimes your fingernails can fall off."

How To Stay Safe From The HFMD Virus

There are a number of things you must consider to protect yourself from getting this highly contagious virus. Dr. Agwu told the media, "The way to prevent yourself is always going to be the same thing, washing hands If you are touching something that's problematic, like stool make sure doubling down on using good hand hygiene."

Dr. Thomas also added that if you're stepping out of your house, then make sure to carry a "good alcohol-based hand sanitiser" for situations when you don't find water and soap to wash your hands which is the ideal option.

Lastly, the general rule of thumb for preventing or contracting Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is maintaining a social distance from sick people, while wearing a mask to protect yourself from the virus.

These tips are non-negotiable when trying to stay safe from the HFMD virus.

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