Campus Life

Hand, foot and mouth disease -- not just a concern for children

As reports of hand, foot and mouth disease escalate among college campuses in the eastern United States, Penn State encourages students to recognize the symptoms and practice preventive measures.

A sharp increase in hand, foot and mouth disease cases has impacted colleges in the East over the past several months. While Penn State remains relatively unaffected, students are encouraged to recognize the symptoms and practice preventive measures — including proper hand hygiene.  Credit: pixabay/jackmac34All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As cool autumn temperatures fall over Happy Valley, messages surrounding health, safety and virus prevention unfold. While many students can identify the signs of the common cold or flu, they may not be familiar with a lesser-known illness that is impacting college campuses this fall: hand, foot and mouth disease.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious illness caused by several different viruses. Although not often characterized as a serious illness, HFMD may cause a series of unpleasant symptoms including fever, painful mouth sores and skin rash. HFMD is most common in infants and young children, but can spread among adults, particularly those in close living environments.  

In recent months, a sharp increase of reported HFMD cases has been documented at college campuses across the eastern United States. While a significant outbreak has not yet impacted Penn State, students are encouraged to recognize the symptoms and be mindful of prevention methods.

HFMD usually starts as a fever, and within one to two days is accompanied by small red dots in the back of the mouth that grow into painful blisters. A skin rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet also is common, giving the illness its hallmark name. Other symptoms may include sore throat, reduced appetite and general feelings of being unwell. 

Symptoms of HFMD typically present three to five days after exposure to the virus, however, not all infected individuals will show symptoms. During the week following contact, an infected individual is considered most contagious and able to pass the virus along to others — with or without symptoms. 

HFMD is most commonly spread through close personal contact, airborne particles spread by coughing and sneezing, and contact with contaminated objects and surfaces. It also is possible, yet less common, to become infected through contaminated swimming pool water. The viruses that cause HFMD can be found in an infected person’s nose or throat secretions, blister fluid and feces. 

There is no specific treatment for HFMD; rather, symptoms are treated with over-the-counter pain relievers and mouthwashes/sprays. The most important prevention methods include:

  • Washing hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Disinfecting dirty/high-contact surfaces.
  • Avoiding close contact with known infected individuals.
  • Eliminating sharing food/drink/utensils with others.

Students at University Park who are concerned about HFMD, or who experience any of the symptoms, should contact University Health Services at 814-863-0774. Students also may schedule appointments online by visiting myUHS.

While disease patterns are unique to each environment, HFMD typically occurs most frequently during the spring, summer and fall in Pennsylvania.

More information about HFMD is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pennsylvania Department of Health

Last Updated October 30, 2018