Health alert: Hand, foot, and mouth disease in Hidalgo County

HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Hidalgo County Health and Human Services has issued a warning following the recent outbreak of the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.

According to a statement issued by the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services, over 60 cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease have been reported in four schools in Hidalgo County.

Hidalgo County Health Authority Dr. Ivan Melendez informs the public that the disease primarily affects children but can spread to adults.

Dr. Melendez explains that the symptoms include fever, chills, a scratchy throat, nausea, and blisters that typically appear on the hands, feet, and mouth by the third day after being infected with the disease.

"The most infectious moment is during the first three days, when most people don't know they even have it, because it's spread through mucus, droplets, coughing, not washing hands and any bodily fluids," he added.

Health experts added that there is no cure for this virus, but doctors will provide symptomatic care by providing medications such as Tylenol and Motrin. Additionally, they will recommend patients to eat easy-to-chew foods such as macaroni and mashed potatoes, as the blisters can cause pain while eating.

Melendez advised that children can go back to school once they have gone a full day without a fever and their blisters are drying out.

For more information, contact Hidalgo County Health & Human Services at 956-318-2426.