Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease is a common viral illness in children. We have recently seen an increase in cases throughout Baltimore County as often occurs in late summer and fall.
Here is some information about Hand, Foot & Mouth (HFM) disease:
· It is caused by a virus.
· People infected with HFM often have tiny blisters in their mouths and on the palms of the hands and bottom of feet. These blisters often last for 7-10 days. Most people with HFM have very mild symptoms, but some can develop a fever.
· It’s most common among younger children.
· It is easily spread between people. Virus can be found in feces, as well as saliva. If the blisters break, the fluid in the blisters is also infectious.
· People are most contagious at the beginning of the infection, but sometimes they can spread the infection for several weeks.
Fortunately, HFM disease is usually very mild. Children with HFM disease may attend school unless:
· They have a fever of 100ºF or greater. They may return to school when the fever is gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
· They are drooling, have “uncontrollable hand to mouth” behaviors, or have draining sores that cannot be covered with a bandage.
To reduce the spread, parents, students and staff should:
· Wash their hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, including after going to the bathroom, changing diapers, arriving home and before eating or feeding a child.
· Wash objects that are contaminated with saliva with soapy water.
· Cover all coughs and sneezes.
If you or your child exhibits symptoms listed above, such as a fever (100 ºF or higher) or has unexplained blisters on the skin, please consult your health care provider.
Erica Axilrod, RN
School Nurse
Berkshire Elementary
443-809-5820
