(MOBILE, Ala.) A public health alert for hand, foot and mouth disease has been issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health.
State health officials say the cases have been more numerous and severe this winter. The strain, Coxsackie A6, is typically seen in China but is making an appearance in Alabama. It causes painful lesions and blisters on palms, soles of feet and mouths of the infected.
Most of the cases have been in North Alabama, and local urgent care doctors in Mobile tell Local 15 News they have not seen any cases here, but are nonetheless on high alert.
“Children are the biggest target of the virus,” Dr. Richard Oyler of Compass Urgent Care in West Mobile said. “This particular strain is also affecting adolescents and adults, which is very unusual. So really everyone needs to be cautious.”
People who show symptoms are urged to see their doctor, and follow advice to stay home until two days after fever and lesions disappear, which takes about a week.
The easiest way to prevent infection is to always wash your hands thoroughly, especially after shaking hands.
