It has come
to the attention of the school that a virus causing Hand, Foot and Mouth
Disease (HFMD) is present in our community.
Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease is a common viral illness that occurs
more frequently in summer and early autumn.
In many people, infection with the virus causes mild or no
symptoms. In others, infection may
result in painful blisters in the mouth, on the gums and tongue, on the palms
and fingers of the hand or on the soles of the feet. The fluid in these blisters contains the
virus, and symptoms may last for 7-10 days.
The infection usually goes away without any serious complications.
HFMD is
moderately contagious. Infection is
spread from person to person direct contact with nose and throat discharges or
the stool of infected persons. HFMD is most contagious during the first week of
the illness. There is no specific treatment for the virus. The best way to help prevent the spread of
HFMD is to use good hand washing technique and cover the mouth and nose when
coughing or sneezing,.
If you suspect that your child may have HFMD,
it please keep him or her home if they are feeling ill, have a fever, open
weeping blisters or blisters in the mouth.