50 Student At Dartmouth College Have Come Down With A Contagious Disease

Aaaah college life. Late night study sessions. Partying until the week hours of the morning. And communicable diseases!

Nearly 50 students at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH have come down with hand, foot, and mouth disease, according to a report by WMUR-TV.

Director of health services at the college, Mark Reed, told WMUR that a temporary infirmary has been set up for the infected students. A 24-hour hotline has also been established for those with questions.

The CDC says hand, foot , and mouth disease is a common viral illness that usually affects children younger than 5 years old. The website healthline.com claims it is a highly contagious infection caused most commonly by the coxsackievirus. It spreads from person-to-person through direct contact with unwashed hands or surfaces contaminated with feces.

A quick check of WebMD finds symptoms include ulcers, or sores, inside or around the outside of the mouth. And a rash or blisters on the hands, feet, legs, or butt.

There is no medication from the virus. Health experts said the symptoms typically last a few days. The report by WMUR says there currently a nationwide spike in patients suffering from the illness. And while unpleasant, it isn't serious according to WebMD.