Several cases of hand, foot and mouth disease have been reported on Staten Island this summer. The illness most commonly affects infants and young children. Symptoms include fever, painful mouth sores, sore throat, and a rash on the hands and feet. Although not serious, it is highly contagious. Families are advised to monitor for symptoms and isolate sick children. The virus spreads through droplets and contact with surfaces or feces. Most patients recover within seven to ten days without medical intervention.
"It's a highly transmissible virus," said Dr. Jessie Saverimuttu, an infectious disease specialist and chairwoman of the Infectious Control Committee at Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton. She emphasized that doctors treat the symptoms of the disease in patients and let it run its course.
Most people get better on their own in seven to 10 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The virus can also live on surfaces and in wound fluid, but is most commonly shared through droplets spread by talking, sneezing and coughing.
The main method of transportation is coughing,'' Saverimuttu said. "People have to take precautions if they are sick. Not doing so is unfair to others."
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