A little PSA for parents of young kids in Niigata

If you've got young kids in Niigata, it might be worth stepping up the hand washing for a while. I read an article via NHK this morning that mentioned cases of hand, foot and mouth disease are on the rise, with 347 cases reported from 30 medical institutions during the week ending August 2nd. That's about 1.6 times the number reported the previous week.

Niigata Prefecture issued a warning last month (its first in two years), and they're reminding families to take some simple precautions.

If you haven't heard of it before, hand, foot and mouth disease is particularly common among young kiddos and can cause spots or rashes on the hands and feet, along with sores in the mouth. Most cases aren't serious, but complications can occasionally occur.

The virus can spread through coughs and sneezes, but also through contact with feces, so good hygiene is especially important when you have toddlers running around! It's a good reminder for kids to wash their hands with soap before eating, after using the toilet and when they get home. It's also a good idea not to share towels.

Nothing too complicated, but with cases climbing, a little extra hand washing certainly can't hurt!