Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness and is currently causing outbreaks primarily in schools and daycares throughout the community.
HFMD is a common but very contagious viral illness that can spread quickly in schools and day care centers. It is common in children under 5 years old, but anyone can get it. Complications from it are rare. Nearly all people get better in 7 to 10 days with minimal or no medical treatment.
HFMD spreads when people have contact with:
- Droplets expelled while sneezing, coughing, or talking
- Objects that have virus particles on them
- Fluid from the blisters of an infected person
- Poop of an infected person
Signs and symptoms of HFMD include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Painful mouth sores that blister
- Rash on the hands and feet
To help prevent catching or spreading HFMD, do the following:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, and coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Help children wash their hands and keep blisters clean.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items, including toys and doorknobs, following the instructions on the cleaning agent.
- Avoid close contact with an infected person, such as hugging or kissing them.
When should a child with HFMD be excluded from school?
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend excluding children with HFMD from the educational setting unless:
- The child is unable to participate.
- Staff members determine they cannot care for the child without compromising their ability to care for the health and safety of others in the group.
- The child meets other exclusionary criteria, including but not limited to diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
If you have questions about Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, call 770.339.4260 during regular business hours and ask for the Epidemiologist on Call. An epidemiologist is also available 24/7 for after-hours emergencies. Our Epidemiologists are eager to assist by providing education and disease control recommendations.
Let’s work together to stay healthy!
Read more about Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease at CDC
Please remember that all outbreaks of disease, which are defined as two or more cases linked in person, place, or time, are reportable to the health department.