A contagious virus is causing a growing number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease in the Philadelphia region. The disease, which causes painful rashes and sores, is mainly spreading in day care centers and summer camps. According to Dr. Bob Czincila, medical director of Vybe urgent care, the virus can be spread through contact with an infected person, contaminated water sources, or by touching surfaces that have come into contact with the virus.
Symptoms appear three to six days after exposure and typically last for about a week. The disease is primarily in children, but adults can also contract it from their young children. There is no treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease, only pain relief medication such as acetaminophen. The biggest risk linked to the virus is dehydration due to difficulty eating and drinking.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has not reported any outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease. However, doctors are urging parents and caregivers to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, such as ensuring children clean themselves well after using the bathroom and washing hands frequently with soap and water.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/hand-foot-mouth-disease-chester-pennsylvania