Twelve soldiers at the Fort Leonard Wood military installation have contracted hand, foot, and mouth disease, officials said in a U.S. Army press release Monday.
The soldiers infected with the viral illness were part of the 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment, the same release indicated. They are being treated at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital.(RELATED: Police Launch Frantic Search For Man ‘Mistakenly’ Released From Jail)
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – AUGUST 06: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO ADVERTISING.) David Boreanaz attends PARAMOUNT+ Seal Team USO Tour at Fort Leonard Wood on August 06, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Paramount+)
Following the outbreak among the 12 soldiers, the U.S. Army is taking steps to reduce the spread of the disease.
“To help reduce the spread of HFMD, the 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment has implemented cleaning procedures in their barracks, dining facility, and other common areas and provided hand sanitizer stations throughout their area. Personnel are also receiving updated information on HFMD prevention and symptoms,” the Army said via the same release.
“Although HFMD is most commonly found in children under age 5, it is not unheard of in adults. Despite its name, most people have mild symptoms that require minimal or no medical treatment, GLWACH officials said,” the release added.
According to KRCG, the disease typically causes symptoms such as a fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet. Avoiding contact with those who may have been infected, sanitizing surfaces, and washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds are measures recommended to stop disease spread, the outlet indicated.
While the disease is most commonly contracted in the summer and fall, it can be spread any time of year, KOMU reported, citing the Army’s press release.
The Army has added 10 new basic training companies over the last several months, with five of them being at Fort Leonard Wood, according to the Houston Herald.