What to know about HFMD, as outbreak rates increase across Virginia

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) -- The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting higher rates of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) than in years past, including more than 60 outbreaks across the state in September alone.

The disease is not typically severe, but it is highly contagious.

HFMD is most active in the summer and fall, commonly impacting children under the age of 5, but it can also be found in older children and adults.

It spreads through direct contact and shared surfaces, and common symptoms include fever, mouth sores, and skin rashes. VDH says those symptoms can take three to five days to appear, and typically last for seven to ten days.

The virus can remain in a person's system for weeks after symptoms disappear, meaning infected people can still pass it on, even when they feel healthy again.

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for HFMD, but VDH recommends washing your hands, disinfecting shared surfaces and objects, and avoiding close contact with those who are infected to prevent the spread of the virus.

If you are caring for someone with HFMD, they should stay home while sick, and VDH recommends keeping the person hydrated and using over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and pain caused by mouth sores.