
Sagamihara City Reports Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreak
Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture – Sagamihara City has announced a reported outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), with the announcement made on July 30, 2025, at 3:05 PM. The city is urging residents, particularly parents and caregivers, to be aware of the symptoms and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of this common childhood illness.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a viral infection primarily affecting infants and young children, though adults can also contract it. It is characterized by the development of sores or blisters in the mouth, and a rash that typically appears on the hands and feet. Some individuals may also experience a rash on their buttocks or genital area.
Common symptoms of HFMD include:
- Fever: Often the first symptom to appear.
- Sore throat: Making it uncomfortable to swallow.
- Malaise/Fatigue: Feeling generally unwell.
- Mouth sores: Small, painful red spots that can develop into blisters, often on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks. These can make eating and drinking difficult.
- Skin rash: Typically a non-itchy rash with small red spots or bumps, sometimes with blisters, appearing on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes the buttocks.
HFMD is highly contagious and spreads through close contact with an infected person, including:
- Direct contact: Touching the blisters or fluid from the blisters.
- Respiratory droplets: Through coughing or sneezing.
- Fecal-oral route: Via contact with contaminated feces, such as through changing diapers and then touching the mouth.
To help prevent the spread of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, Sagamihara City advises the following measures:
- Frequent Handwashing: Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before preparing food or eating.
- Avoid Touching Face: Refrain from touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Disinfect Surfaces: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, and countertops.
- Isolate Infected Individuals: Keep children with HFMD home from school or daycare until their fever has subsided and their mouth sores have healed to prevent transmission to others.
- Cough Etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
While HFMD is generally a mild illness and most individuals recover within 7 to 10 days, it’s important to seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, if the individual is dehydrated, or if there are concerns about complications.
Sagamihara City will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and practice good hygiene to protect themselves and their communities.
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相模原市 published ‘手足口病’ at 2025-07-30 15:05. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.