Rising Cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Fairfax County
Fairfax County, Virginia, is currently witnessing a concerning uptick in the number of children diagnosed with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). With a total of six reported cases, five of which have emerged within the last two months, health officials are sounding the alarm about the contagious nature of this common viral illness.
Dr. Tiffany Kimbrough, a pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, emphasized the prevalence of the virus during the summer months. “We’re seeing a lot of it right now,” she noted, highlighting that HFMD is particularly common in daycare settings where young children are in close proximity to one another.
The virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets, drooling, and contact with infected stools. Symptoms often manifest as a rash on the hands and feet, but can also appear in other areas, including the diaper region and the back of the throat. “It can be really painful when you’re trying to eat and drink,” Kimbrough warned, as the sores can make swallowing difficult.
To combat the spread of HFMD, Dr. Kimbrough recommends maintaining rigorous hygiene practices. “Really good hand washing is important, especially after contact with any of the drool, after diaper changes, or contact with any of the blisters, especially after they’ve popped,” she advised.
While HFMD is not considered deadly, it can lead to dehydration, particularly because sores often develop in the throat, making it painful for children to consume food and liquids. Parents should monitor their children’s hydration closely, ensuring that they are producing at least one wet diaper every eight hours. Kimbrough suggests avoiding acidic foods that may irritate the throat and opting for bland, soothing options to help keep fluid intake up.
As the summer progresses, parents in Fairfax County should remain vigilant about HFMD and prioritize hygiene to protect their children from this highly contagious disease.