Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, Dec. 20

Coos Health & Wellness has received multiple reports of Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease in Coos County. Hand, Foot, and Mouth is a common contagious virus that mainly affects children under 5 years of age. Outbreaks frequently occur among groups of children, such as in a daycare setting. Health complications from hand, foot, and mouth disease are not common. The main signs of the virus are sores in the mouth and blisters on the hands and feet. The virus is spread: in the air through coughing or sneezing; by close personal contact; by contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.  The best prevention measures are frequent hand washing and cleaning of surfaces and items, such as toys. More information may be found at CDC.gov and the Coos County website.