Cases of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease Increase in Missoula County

MISSOULA - The Missoula community is currently experiencing an increase in cases of Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease (HFMD). HFMD is a common virus in young children that causes mild fever, blisters in the mouth and a rash, usually seen on the palms of hands and the soles of feet. The blisters can be painful and some kids may complain of a sore throat or a stomachache. Usually the infection goes away without any serious complications. HFMD can also occur in adults, but less commonly than in children.

How is it spread? The virus can be spread through the saliva, respiratory secretions such as mucus...