While MRSA (staph infection resistant to a broad spectrum of antibiotics) is putting high school students on alert in Sioux Falls, the little ones are coming down with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. This is the time of year for the viral illness, it most often occurs in the summer and fall.

Pediatrician Dr. Kara Bruning at the Main McGreevy Clinic Avera in Sioux Falls says she is seeing a lot Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in pre-school aged kids. The bad part, besides the awful blisters, it's a virus so that means antibiotics won't work to treat it and there is no vaccine to prevent it.

Dr. Bruning says, "They are coming in with sores on their hands, bottom of their hands and bottom of their feet and in their mouth."

Symptoms usually begin with a mild fever and a sore throat. A couple days after the fever starts painful sores can develop in the mouth. They start as small red spots that blister and turn into ulcers. A rash may also develop on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This rash may blister, but shouldn't itch.

Dr. Bruning says, "What we worry about with these kiddos is for them to get dehydrated. Their mouths hurt so they don't want to drink. The best thing parents can do is to give them small amounts of liquid frequently and try and keep them hydrated."

Hand, Foot and Mouth is contagious so good hand washing will prevent the spread. It will usually run it's course in 7 to 10 days.

Dr. Bruning says, "Give them Tylenol or Motrin if they are old enough. We want to help with with the pain that's the best thing we can do."

Just so there is no confusion, this is not in any way related to Hoof and Mouth Disease which affects cattle, sheep and swine.

First sign of the spots, it's a good idea to get your little one to the doctor.