Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is spreading across the US.

Outbreaks have been confirmed in Indiana, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, according to doctors’ reports. 

HFMD, which is different to foot and mouth in animals, is a viral infection that causes lesions to form on a sufferer’s hands, feet and mouth. Although usually not serious, the condition can be dangerous if scratched skin allows other pathogens to enter.

The infection usually affects children under 10, with adults’ immune systems typically being strong enough to prevent the virus infecting them.

However last week, New York Mets ace pitcher Noah Syndergaard revealed he contracted the virus after visiting a children’s baseball camp, while New York Yankees starter JA Happ revealed he had a mild case of the condition yesterday.

New York Mets ace pitcher Noah Syndergaard was placed on the disabled list after he contracted the virus from a visit to a baseball camp (pictured pitching against the Yankees)

New York Mets ace pitcher Noah Syndergaard was placed on the disabled list after he contracted the virus from a visit to a baseball camp (pictured pitching against the Yankees)

‘We’re getting a lot of hand, foot and mouth disease’ 

Dr Keith Tolar, from Deaconess Pediatric Urgent Care, Evansville, Indiana, told CBS News: ‘This year we’re getting a lot of hand, foot and mouth disease.

‘We’ve been seeing it all summer and a little bit of an uptick in the last week or two.’

HFMD typically spreads through nurseries and schools, similarly to the common cold. 

Erica Jackson-Curran suffered from a sore throat and headache just days after her son Oliver (both pictured) was diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease

Erica Jackson-Curran suffered from a sore throat and headache just days after her son Oliver (both pictured) was diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease

Erica Jackson-Curran suffered from a sore throat and headache just days after her son Oliver (both pictured) was diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease

HFMD is characterised by sores in the mouth, as well as a rash on the hands and feet (stock)

HFMD is characterised by sores in the mouth, as well as a rash on the hands and feet (stock)

HFMD is characterised by sores in the mouth, as well as a rash on the hands and feet (stock)

Children build up antibodies to the virus as they get older and the immune systems of adults are typically strong enough to prevent the virus from infecting them (File image of child with HMFD)

Children build up antibodies to the virus as they get older and the immune systems of adults are typically strong enough to prevent the virus from infecting them (File image of child with HMFD)

Children build up antibodies to the virus as they get older and the immune systems of adults are typically strong enough to prevent the virus from infecting them (File image of child with HFMD)

Children build up antibodies to the virus as they get older and the immune systems of adults are typically strong enough to prevent the virus from infecting them (File image of child with HFMD)

Children (hand of patient left) build up antibodies to the virus as they age, while the immune systems of adults (affected person right) are typically strong enough to prevent the virus from infecting them, however, this does not mean they are unable to catch the disease (stock)

WHAT IS HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE?

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that causes lesions to form on a sufferer’s hands, feet and mouth.

It can also affect the buttocks and genitals.

The condition is not related to foot and mouth disease in animals.  

HFMD is usually not serious and does not require treatment, however, it can cause secondary infections if skin is scratched.

It is most common in children under 10, with outbreaks occurring at nurseries and schools. 

HFMD is usually transmitted via the faeces of an infected person but can also be spread by coughs and skin contact.

Treatment focuses on adequate fluid intake, a soft diet and painkillers, if necessary.

Source: Patient.org 

Mother caught the infection from her son 

Last week, mother Erica Jackson Curran, from Richmond, Virginia, caught HFMD two days after her son Oliver was diagnosed.

After putting Oliver’s fever and irritability down to teething, Ms Jackson Curran began to suffer from a headache and fever, as well as feeling weak and fatigued within two hours of waking.

She said: ‘I spent the rest of the afternoon alternating between freezing cold and burning hot, burrowing under piles of blankets one minute and throwing them all off the next.

‘My throat ached, and my appetite vanished. I slipped in and out of a restless sleep.’

After taking her son to a paediatrician, the doctor confirmed Ms Jackson Curran had lesions in her mouth suggesting HFMD, despite previously insisting the condition was extremely rare in adults. 

She said: ‘I felt weirdly triumphant for a moment because I finally had a name for the sickness that was currently ruining my life, until the doctor said there was no cure for HFMD.’

The pediatrician advised Ms Jackson Curran to take ibuprofen and stay hydrated until her symptoms passed.  

After going home and spending the day lying on the sofa, Ms Jackson Curran woke to find her body was covered in a rash. 

She said: ‘Unlike my son’s spots, which resembled bright red mosquito bites, my own were fainter but much more abundant.

‘My palms also looked spotty, with tiny dots accompanied by a weird tingling feeling on my fingertips and my feet felt as if blisters were forming on the soles, although nothing was visible.’ 

The rash came and went for around a week before disappearing completely, along with her symptoms.  



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