Dear Parents/Guardians, Date:

This letter is to inform you that a student in your child’s class has recently been diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). HFMD is a common viral illness in young children. Adults may also become infected with the virus. Despite its scary name, this illness generally is mild.

Signs and Symptoms

  • It usually starts with a fever, reduced appetite, sore throat, and feeling unwell. One or two days after the fever starts, painful sores can develop in the mouth. They begin, often in the back of the mouth, as small red spots that blister and can become ulcers. A skin rash with red spots, and sometimes with blisters, may also develop over one or two days on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet; it may also appear on the knees, elbows, or buttocks.
  • Not everyone will get all of these symptoms. Some may show no symptoms at all.
  • Symptoms of HFMD usually appear 3-7 days after initial exposure and infection.

Cause and Transmission

  • Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by viruses in theEnterovirusgroup.
  • The viruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease can be found in an infected person’s nose and throat secretions, blister fluid, andstool.
  • An infected person may spread the viruses that cause hand, foot, and mouth disease to another person through close personal contact,the air (through coughing or sneezing), contact with stool, and/or contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.

Treatment and Prevention

  • There is no specific treatment. Rest and drinking liquids to prevent dehydration are needed.
  • Wash hands thoroughly with antimicrobial soap and water.
  • Disinfect contaminated objects, toys, and surfaces with antimicrobial solutions.
  • Do not share eating or drinking items of an infected person.
  • Stay home when sick.

If diagnosed with HFMD, may return to school: When fever goes away and mouth sores have healed.

Additional Information

  • CDC Website
  • You may also contact your health care provider, school nurse, or Nash County Health Department.

School NursePhone

Letter adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – November 2015