Coquille (KMTR) - Schools and daycare facilities in Coos County are reporting hand-foot-and-mouth disease is spreading among local children, according to the Coos County Public Health Department.It’s a mild disease with quick recovery, but it is fairly contagious. Symptoms usually start with fever, poor appetite, and a vague feeling of being unwell, or a sore throat. One or two days later, painful sores can develop in the mouth and throat. A skin rash may also appear on hands and feet or other areas.
Coos County Public Health Administrator Frances Smith advises, “It's not that serious of a disease, and should be over with a few days after the symptoms start. But parents need to take good care of their kids; make sure they're well-hydrated.”
Kids showing symptoms should be kept home from school until their fever subsides, and blisters or sores have dried up. The risk of infection can be minimized by washing hands frequently, cleaning dirty surfaces, and not sharing personal items like towels or utensils.
