Painful Virus On The Rise In One Major City: What To Know

The painful virus known as hand, foot, and mouth is making an unwelcome resurgence across the US, not just in kids, but in adults, too.

Doctors have noticed a rise in cases of the highly contagious virus in Philadelphia in particular. As the summer holiday comes to a close, and kids return from summer camp, the numbers have climbed.

The painful virus is transmitted through droplets, feces, and contact with the blisters, which are one of the symptoms. Kids, being the disgusting little creatures that they are, aren’t particularly hygienic. The disease can spread from one person to another like wildfire.

There is typically a season for the hand, foot, and mouth virus to spread. It is just at the end of the summer, and as fall begins, just in time for kids heading back to school. As they enter a new crowded environment, the painful virus spreads further.

This year, it seems to be particularly prevalent in Philadelphia. Dr. Dan Taylor, a pediatrician at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, has noted how many more kids she’s seen with it. “In 24 years as a pediatrician here, I really have not seen this many cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease in my entire career.”

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Virus Takes Down Military

But, it’s not just children that are having to deal with hand, foot, and mouth disease. There are also reports of soldiers being quarantined due to the unsightly sickness. At least a dozen soldiers at the Fort Leonard Wood military base have been diagnosed with it.

They are being treated, and the men and women on the base are being briefed on correct personal hygiene. Thankfully, although hand, foot, and mouth is a painful and ugly virus, it’s not too dangerous.

“Enterovirus is contagious. It can be spread through droplets when people cough or sneeze,” Dr. Robert McClowry told ABC 6. “The drooling factor definitely makes it more contagious. It’s shed in the stool, so when you have little ones, changing diapers can increase it. So handwashing and hygiene are paramount.”

Remember to wash your hands.