Dear Parents/Guardians:

We have had several cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (Coxsackie virus) at Marcy Elementary.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is a common illness in young children.  It is most often a mild disease, but can occasionally cause more serious illnesses for some children.  There is no treatment for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease and it usually resolves spontaneously.  Antibiotics are not necessary.  It is highly contagious and is spread from person to person through contact with mouth, nose or throat secretions (i.e. from coughing or sneezing) or contact with feces.  It can also be spread through close personal contact, or contact with contaminated objects or surfaces such as toys, doorknobs, diapers, tissues, or other surfaces in school settings.  

The symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth disease include:

• Rash (pink bumps or spots which can sometimes become blisters), especially involving the palms or soles, but also can include the knees, elbows, buttocks or genital area
• Painful sores in the mouth and/or throat that may cause drooling
• Fever
• Poor appetite and not feeling well
• Sometimes children refuse to eat or drink and this can lead to dehydration

The best ways to prevent the spread of Hand, Foot and Mouth disease in school settings are to:

• Make sure that children who are ill do not attend school
• Practice good hand hygiene
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Thoroughly and frequently cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces and touch points

Children with suspected Hand, Foot and Mouth disease should not attend school until all blisters have dried and their fever is resolved.

If your child has any of the symptoms above, you should call your child’s doctor or other healthcare provider for guidance.

Please call the nurse at your child’s school if you have any questions or concerns.