Message from Three Rivers Public Health
Information posted about symptoms, treatment and prevention of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
October 6, 2016
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Several students at Wahoo Public Schools have been recently diagnosed with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). While this disease is usually not serious, we thought you may be interested in some information on ways to prevent the spread of HFMD.
HFMD is a contagious illness that is cause by different viruses. Infants and children younger than 5 years old are more likely to get the disease; however, older children and adults can also get it. Symptoms usually begin with a fever, reduced appetite, sore throat, and a general feeling of being unwell. A day or two after the fever starts, painful sores can develop in the mouth. A skin rash with flat red spots may also develop on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Sometimes a rash also occurs on the knees, elbows, and buttocks. This rash may blister but won’t itch.
Not everyone will get all of these symptoms. Some people may show no symptoms at all, but they can still pass the virus to others. HFMD can spread to others through:
- Close contact, such as kissing, hugging, or sharing cups and eating utensils,
- Coughing and sneezing,
- Contact with feces, for example when changing a diaper,
- Contact with blister fluid, and
- Touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them.
People with HFMD are most contagious during the first week of their illness. Illness is typically mild, and nearly all patients recover in 7 to 10 days without medical treatment. Complications are uncommon, but can rarely include the development of viral meningitis and other fatal complications.
The best way to prevent HFMD is through good hygiene practices. You can reduce the risk of getting infected with the viruses that cause HFMD by following a few simple steps:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, and help young children do the same.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing cups and eating utensils with people who have HFMD.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.
If your child begins having symptoms of HFMD, the best thing to do is stay home from school and rest. Children with HFMD should not return to school until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without help from fever-reducing medicines. Contact your child’s doctor if they are exhibiting signs of HFMD.
For other questions about the disease, please contact Three Rivers Public Health at 402-727-5396 or 866-727-5396.
Sincerely,
Terra Uhing, Executive Director