Doctors in Saratoga Springs are now expressing concern over the apparent increase in the number of foot and mouth disease cases in children across the city.
According to Dr. Brian McCune, a representative from the Utah Valley Pediatrics facility in Saratoga, "We usually see somewhere around two cases a day, maybe one, but now we are seeing 8 to 10 cases a day." Based on the sudden swell in the number of patients that are affected with this condition, Dr. McCune says that they believe that the virus has become more aggressive, affecting children as well as adults. He added, "It's been way more frequent, way more prevalent in communities than we normally see."
Foot and mouth disease is an extremely contagious and painful condition that can persist for up to two weeks and is spreads just as easily as the common cold. Dr. McCune says that even surface contact can help spread the virus, and it is usually through this route that many children get infected. Parents and healthcare professionals are concerned that there could be more children affected, especially now that school is back in session. In an effort to avoid the contagious virus, doctors are advising parents and school officials to implement frequent hand washing among the children, and also to stay away from suspected patients, or anyone who has a fever or sores evident on their bodies.
When a child contracts the virus, there is little that can be done except to treat the most obvious symptoms with over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen and Benadryl. Parents would have to wait for the virus to run it's course, but doctors warn that there could be many unpleasant side effects during the disease process. "You can have your fingers and toes peel. I have parents saying their [children's] fingernails and toenails have fallen off."