MiCare allows families to keep up with breaking medical news Published July 30, 2014 By Staff Reports GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 319th Medical Group is urging all of its patrons to register for the MiCare system in order to keep up-to-the-minute with breaking medical news. For example, a recent outbreak of hand-foot-mouth disease was detected at the Child Development Center and other areas of GFAFB. This illness is self-limited; however, caretakers should be vigilant to ensure hydration. The illness typically presents with fever and fatigue followed by mouth ulcers and a rash (bumps and blisters) most commonly located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, but can occur on any part of the body. Both the mouth and skin lesions can be extremely painful. The rash typically lasts for 7-10 days. There is no specific medication for the virus that causes hand-foot-mouth disease. Treatment is directed at control of pain (acetaminophen and ibuprofen are usually sufficient) and adequate fluid intake to avoid dehydration. There is no need to schedule an appointment if you suspect your child has hand-foot-mouth disease unless you are unable to control the pain or are concerned for dehydration. Diagnosis is based on the appearance of the rash and there is no need for testing to confirm the diagnosis. The virus that causes hand-foot-mouth is highly contagious and is spread through contact with bodily fluids. Good hand washing is important to avoid spreading the virus. Your child can typically return to daycare or other activities as long as he/she has not had a fever for 24 hours and is able to participate in usual activities. Please see the following links for further information: http://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/index.html http://www.ndhealth.gov/Disease/Documents/faqs/Hand%20Foot%20Mouth.pdf For further information, register for MiCare by following these instructions and turning in this form.