PARENT ALERT
Contagious disease exposure in room/location _______________ on ________________.
HAND, FOOT, AND MOUTH DISEASE
(Coxsackievirus and Other Related Viruses)
WHAT IS IT? A virus that causes fever, sore throat, sores in the mouth, and a rash on the palms and soles lasting 7 to 10 days.
WHERE DID IT COME FROM? It came from an infected person.
WHEN CAN YOU CATCH IT? As long as the illness persists, or longer if in contact with stool.
HOW CAN YOU CATCH IT? Through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person (talking, coughing, sneezing), through contact with contaminated objects, or through contact with the feces of an infected person.
HOW LONG BEFORE SYMPTOMS APPEAR? Usually 3 to 5 days after contact.
WHAT ARE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS? Dehydration, fingernail, and toenail loss, viral (aseptic meningitis), encephalitis or paralysis.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
- Teach child to cover mouth and nose with tissue or shoulder when sneezing
- Keep child home if unable to participate, if feverish, or if having difficulty drinking liquids.
- Dispose of tissues and diapers in a sealed plastic bag.
- Alert teacher to the diagnosis.
- Meticulous handwashing!!
WHAT WILL THE STAFF DO?
- Exclude children with fever, mouth sores and severe symptoms.
- Meticulous hand washing!!
WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR THE INFECTED CHILD?
- Extra rest for the duration of the fever.
- Feed bland, cool liquids while the mouth is sore.
- Sponge baths and Tylenol to reduce fever. Never give aspirin to children.
WHEN CAN THE CHILD RETURN TO CLASS? When child is able to participate, no fever for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medicines, mouth sores have healed, and caregivers are able to care for child and group safely. If you have any questions, please contact your childcare provider and healthcare provider.
Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index.html (English) https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index-sp.html (Spanish)