CHCC: Rise in children with hand, foot, and mouth disease

The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. has identified an increase of children with hand, foot, and mouth disease and is advising residents to take necessary precautions to help prevent HFMD from spreading in our community.

HMFD is caused by a virus that can easily spread from one person to another and is most common in babies and children younger than 5 years old. CHCC has informed and provided guidance to daycare and childcare facilities on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

To help prevent children from getting or spreading HFMD:

Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after changing diapers, using the toilet, and coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items, including toys and doorknobs.

Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Avoid hugging or kissing children if you or someone in your home is sick.

Keep children who are sick with symptoms safe at home away from others who are not sick.

Help children wash their hands and keep blisters clean.

Children with HFMD may have symptoms like a fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores that blister, or rash on their hands and feet. Mouth sores can make it hard to swallow or eat, make sure to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated. Children’s medicine can help with fever and pain from mouth sores.

HFMD is usually not serious, most people get better on their own in seven to 10 days. However, if you think your child has HFMD or are worried about their symptoms, please see your child’s healthcare provider as soon as possible.

For more information about the CHCC Environmental Health and Disease Prevention unit, call (670) 236-2022/27/28 or email the administrator of EHDP, John Tagabuel, at john.tagabuel@chcc.health.

For more information about CHCC programs, follow us on Facebook and Twitter at @cnmichcc, check out our website at www.chcc.health or call us at (670) 234-8950. (PR)