New Strain of Hand Foot & Mouth Disease Hits Alabama
DOTHAN--A new strain of the hand, foot and mouth disease is showing up in Alabama.
"It's normally seen in other countries," said Nurse Practitioner Ben Sneed.
But now hand, foot and mouth disease is in the U.S including Alabama.
"14 to be exact in Alabama," said Sneed.
Doctors say although it has similar characteristics of the common strain they normally see, it is a bit different.
"It's a little worse than the previous strain we normally see here," said Sneed.
And that's because it's affecting a different group.
"It's being seen in adults where it's usually a childhood disease."
The disease is highly contagious and health officials say the best way to prevent spreading it, is to wash your hands.
"It can be spread through coughing, drinking after someone else, hand to hand contact."
The symptoms are easy to detect.
"Sores in the mouth, runs a fever and gets lesions on the feet."
Officials at the Houston County Health Department say so far they haven't had any cases in the area.
Currently there's no treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease.
Doctors say pain medication and plenty of fluids usually helps and the disease goes away on it's own within a few days.
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