School Districts across Knox County have been experiencing cases of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) over the past couple of weeks.
Just a reminder for HFMD:
Incubation: 3-6 days.
Symptoms: Can begin with symptoms of fever, sore throat, runny nose, upset stomach and loss of appetite. Progress to a raised rash, usually on palms of hands, soles of feet and on the area around the mouth. Progressing to blisters then scabs.
Transmission: Direct contact with droplets of an infected person that are spread through sneezing, coughing, or talking; the direct spray is less than 3 feet. Then those droplets are inhaled or rubbed into eyes, nose and/or mouth after touching a contaminated surface. Fecal-oral transmission as well.
Communicable Period: Most contagious during the first week of illness.
Exclusion: Although very contagious, exclusion is only recommended when the student has a fever and until 24 hours fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication. Also, if they have many open, oozing blisters, they are too ill to participate in school or other activities, and/or are unable to practice good hand hygiene.
Control: Wash hands often. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
