Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a mild but highly contagious viral illness that can cause outbreaks in school and childcare settings where close contact occurs. Children are most contagious during the first week of illness, but they can shed the virus in their stool for weeks to months after the infection starts.
HFMD is a common illness that usually causes fever, mouth sores, and a skin rash. It can spread quickly at schools and daycare centers. Most people get better on their own in 7 to 10 days.
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is common in children under 5 years old, but anyone can get it.
• The illness is usually not serious, but it is very contagious.
• To prevent spreading HFMD, encourage frequent handwashing, clean, and disinfect surfaces (manipulatives, door knobs, etc), and avoid close contact with others.
According to the CDC, children with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) can return to school when they meet the following criteria:
• They have no fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication
• They don't have excessive drooling due to mouth sores
• They feel well enough to participate in normal activities
Children with widespread blisters may need to stay home until the blisters dry up, which can take about a week. Children with sores that are draining fluids should not return to school.
Generally, keep children home from school until their fever and pain resolve. They do not have to stay home until the rash resolves, which can take 1 to 2 weeks.
Please continue to alert your child’s classroom teacher if HFMD has been diagnosed. Although written medical clearance to return to school is not required, it would be supportive information for the school staff to know.
To prevent the spread of HFMD, schools can:
• Improve ventilation
• Encourage frequent handwashing
• Teach students and staff to keep their hands away from their face
• Clean, sanitize, and disinfect frequently
• Provide clear communication to families and staff
I hope this information is helpful.
Nurse Sharon