Indiana Health Officials Warn Of Increase In Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease

Last updated on Tuesday, August 7, 2018

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Officials with two of Indiana’s biggest health networks say they’re seeing an increase in the amount of hand, foot and mouth disease cases.

Both Community Health Network and St. Vincent Health say they're seeing the increase in cases as kids head back to school.

The disease, which is caused by different viruses, typically affects children younger than five, but older kids and adults can catch it as well.

The disease usually lasts seven to 10 days. According to the CDC, initial symptoms include fever, reduced appetite, sore throat, and a feeling of being unwell. One or two days after the fever starts, the CDC says painful sores can develop in the mouth. They usually begin as small red spots that blister and can become painful.

A skin rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet may also develop over one or two days as flat, red spots, sometimes with blisters. It may also appear on the knees, elbows, buttocks or genital area.

Children can return to day care when they are 24 hours fever free.

There is no medication to treat the illness, but doctors says Tylenol or Motrin can control the pain and patients are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids.

You can lower your risk of being infected by doing the following:

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers and using the toilet
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and soiled items, including toys
Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups with people with the disease
Along with hand, foot and mouth disease, health officials say they're also seeing a similar virus where patients develop ulcers in the back of their mouths, as opposed to in the front.

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