Pacific briefs Hand, foot and mouth disease strikes Asia

Stars and Stripes Pacific edition, Thursday, July 10, 2008 YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — U.S. military medical officials want to put the lid on a viral illness sometimes seen in children under age 10 this time of year. Hand, foot and mouth disease can occur worldwide and is "moderately contagious," the 374th Medical Group stated in an outbreak advisory posted recently on the Commander’s Access Channel at Yokota. It’s popping up now all over Asia, including Japan and China, according to Maj. Nicole Avci, the 374th Aerospace Medicine Squadron’s Public Health Flight commander. As of Tuesday, there have been eight suspected cases documented at Yokota — all in children 8 and younger. K-16 Air Base to host summer festival Friday SEOUL — A summer festival is slated for Friday from 2-9 p.m. at the K-16 Air Base gym and sports field.... [read full story]