If your child is complaining about a sore throat this summer it may lead to something more serious. Believe it or not, a sore throat is a symptom in a new foot and mouth virus here in Central New York.

According to CNYCentral, an outbreak of this foot and mouth disease is effecting young children here in Central New York. Children between kindergarten and second or third grade-aged appear to be effected by this the most.

Pediatricians' offices are seeing lots of cases of the virus, actually called hand foot and mouth disease. The first symptom is often a sore throat, and Dr. Derek Gorski at Brighton Hill Pediatrics tells us 'The biggest problem we see with this virus is that children don't want to eat. They don't want to drink because it hurts. So we have children who can get dehydrated to the point of hospitalization."

The virus is very contagious. The virus may also show up as a rash on palms of hands and soles of feet, and sometimes a full body rash. Dr. Gorski says it often runs its course and only needs 'supportive care'. Remember to have them drink lots of liquids and perhaps take a mild pain killer. Check with your doctor either way.

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