Official: 19 Cases Of Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease At Princeton University

PRINCETON, N.J., (CBS) -- Princeton University officials say 19 students have been seen for hand, foot and mouth disease at the school's health center since Sept. 17.

The contagious viral illness often causes painful sores inside the mouth as well as a skin rash on a person's hands or feet.

Its most commonly seen in children younger than age five.

Princeton released a statement, which reads, in part:

"University Health Services staff have advised the affected students to take precautions to avoid the spread of the disease. Additionally, Building Services staff have been doing extra cleaning in common areas in all residence halls."

More information about the disease is available on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth