Health Alert: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Seneca High School has had a physician confirmed case of hand, foot and mouth disease.
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a contagious viral illness that usually causes fever, painful sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet. Please observe your student for the following symptoms: fever, reduced appetite, sore throat, painful sores in the mouth, red spots or blisters on the palms of hands, soles of the feet or buttocks. If your student displays these symptoms, please refrain from sending them to school and contact your healthcare provider.
The following information was taken from the CDC website. More information can be found at:
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HandFootMouthDisease/
What Are the Symptoms of HFMD?
Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease often include the following:
- Fever
- Reduced appetite
- Sore throat
- A feeling of being unwell
- Painful sores in the mouth that usually begin as flat red spots
- A rash of flat red spots that may blister on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes the knees, elbows, buttocks, and/or genital area.
These symptoms usually appear in stages, not all at once. Also, 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.
Is HFMD Serious?
HFMD is usually not serious. The illness is typically mild, and nearly all people recover in 7 to 10 days without medical treatment. Complications are uncommon.
Is HFMD Contagious?
Yes. The viruses that cause HFMD can be found in an infected person's:
- Nose and throat secretions (such as saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus)
- Blister fluid
- Feces (poop)
HFMD spreads from an infected person 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
- Touching objects or surfaces that have the virus on them
People with HFMD are most contagious during the first week of their illness. However, they may sometimes remain contagious for weeks after symptoms go away. Some people, especially adults, may not develop any symptoms, but they can still spread the viruses to others. This is why you should always try to maintain good hygiene, like washing hands often with soap and water, so you can minimize your chance of getting and spreading infections.
Prevention:
- 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