Sources: North Jersey.com; Centers For Disease Control
New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard will be placed on the disabled list after contracting hand, foot and mouth disease.
The disease seemingly affected Syndergaard against the New York Yankees when his velocity dipped during his five-inning, one-run outing: he developed blisters and ran out of energy. Callaway noted Syndergaard’s legs were shaking after he exited the game. “He had trouble breathing, he was run down because the virus. That’s the reason he had to come out,” Mets manager Mickey Callaway said.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common viral illness that usually affects infants and children younger than 5 years old. However, it can sometimes occur in older children and adults. It usually starts with a fever, reduced appetite, sore throat, and feeling lethargic.
One or two days after the fever starts, painful sores can develop in the mouth (herpangina). They usually begin as small red spots, often in the back of the mouth, that blister and can become painful. A skin rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet may also develop over one or two days as flat, red spots, sometimes with blisters. It may also appear on the knees, elbows, buttocks or genital area. Some people, especially adults, may become infected and show no symptoms at all, but they can still pass the virus to others.
You can lower your risk of being infected by:
– Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers and using the toilet.
– Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and soiled items, including toys
– Avoiding kissing, hugging, or sharing eating utensils or cups with infected persons
Though mouth sores might make it painful to swallow, it is important for people with hand, foot, and mouth disease to drink enough liquids to prevent dehydration.
The Mets believe that Syndergaard may have contracted the disease after working a children’s camp during the All-Star break. As it is a contagious disease, he is away from the team. The Mets are hopeful he will only miss one start.