PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Several states have seen a recent flare-up of hand, foot, and mouth disease. However, according to a doctor at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Rhode Island is not one of them.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious virus that causes a high fever and painful lesions on a person’s body. It’s typically thought to be a childhood disease but has recently been in the news after two Major League Baseball players were separately placed on their teams’ disabled lists after coming down with the illness.
Last week, the New York Mets said pitcher Noah Syndergaard contracted hand, foot, and mouth disease while appearing at a baseball camp for kids during the All-Star break. And just this week, it was announced that New York Yankees starter J.A. Happ has a mild case of the illness.
According to CBS News, there have been outbreaks in Indiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
While this is the time of year cases typically peak, Dr. Michael Koster, a pediatric hospitalist at Hasbro, said the number of cases is no higher than normal.
“There’s been no signs so far that point to an epidemic of enterovirus this year,” Koster said.
While it can be painful for whoever gets it, Koster said hand, foot, and mouth typically goes away within a few days to a week.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus usually starts with:
- Fever
- Reduced appetite
- Sore throat
- A feeling of being unwell (malaise)
The CDC said one or two days after the fever starts, painful sores can develop in the mouth and then spread to the hands and feet.
So, what’s the key to not getting the disease?
“Good hand washing. Not sharing contaminated items, such as things you put in your mouth,” Koster said.
And if you do get it, Koster said you should stay hydrated, stay home from work or daycare and stay out of swimming pools and other public places.