Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease

I once saw a poster in the airport of Freetown (Sierra Leone) that said "Beware of Bigfoot". I thought it funny to see those words in Africa but on closer inspection, found that it was referring to the parasitic disease known as elephantiasis rather than the mystic, mountain creature that we are familiar with here in the Rocky Mountains.

I've always been fascinated with these exotic diseases. Elephantiasis is quite something to see. Spending two years in Africa without seeing a single case of Guinea worm infection was somewhat disappointing, but there are several countries now in Africa where it is no longer seen! Lately we've heard a lot of the Zika virus. Not so long ago, it was the same with the West Nile virus. In these parts, we've all heard of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Sometimes the name sounds more exotic than the actual disease, and like most things, the more you learn the less scary they become. Can you imagine a case of black water fever? Sounds scary right? Well, in simple terms, it is used to describe the dark urine that can accompany malaria. See, not so bad?

It's the same with hand, foot, mouth disease. Sounds pretty ominous, doesn't it? We've seen three or four cases already this year here in Seeley Lake and I expect to see more in the coming weeks.

Let's just get the basic out there so you don't have to panic when you hear your child has been exposed!

Hand, foot, mouth disease is a fairly simple infection that causes a typical rash. It's caused by a virus (just like a common cold virus). This most commonly affects kids under the age of 10. Older kids and adults will get the virus but generally will have only minimal (if any) symptoms.

The rash with hand, foot, mouth disease is very typical-small red spots or ulcers inside the mouth, and on the palms and soles of the feet-hence, the name. Often the rash is also found on the buttocks, legs and genitals.

Kids will typically have a fever (sometimes a high fever), and feel a little unwell for a day or two even before the rash starts. Occasionally a sore throat is also present.

The good news is that this viral illness is self-limited and will go away on its own. The bad news is that there is no treatment. We tell patients to treat the fever with Tylenol, stay hydrated and eat ice cream and smooth foods so as not to irritate the mouth lesions.

The most common question that comes up is: what about school? Should they stay or should they go? Sadly, if your child has been exposed, most of the other kids in the class have already been exposed as well. (Generally, you get exposed three-five days before you have any symptoms). My advice is to keep them home if they are still having a fever, if they are still coughing or sneezing, or if the ulcers are open or weeping. This may be a few days.

Of most importance when trying to prevent the spread is hygiene. Kids with hand, foot, mouth disease can be contagious several weeks after an infection, as the virus can still be shed in the stool. This means WASH YOUR HANDS, especially around bathroom time.

So, that's the basics. Not so bad, is it? If you still have questions, go see your health care provider or consult a reputable website (CDC or the mayo clinic). Stay healthy, wash your hands and see you at the clinic.