Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease On The Rise In Kent County

The Kent County Health Department is reporting an increase in the incidences of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Kent County.

The disease (HFMD) is increasing the most in kids under the age of five. HFMD is a virus that's highly contagious and usually affects kids under the age of 10.  Adults can catch it as well.

Symptoms of HFMD include fever, sore throat, rash, sores on fingers, palms, and soles of the feet, and blister-like sores in the mouth. The fever generally lasts a day or two and then sores and blisters appear. HFMD is spread by coughing, sneezing, or coming into contact with bodily fluid like saliva. The illness as a whole can last anywhere from seven to ten days..

The only treatment for HFMD is non-aspirin pain relievers and fever reducers and rest and fluids.