HAND FOOT MOUTH DISEASE (HFMD)
Dear Parents,
The CHP (Centre for Health Protection) has informed us of an increase of HFMD-EV71 in the community, and we wanted to pass along some information to make parents aware as it is highly contagious. HFMD is a common illness caused by enteroviruses. It usually affects infants and children younger than five years old, but older children and adults can still become infected. Adults are often exposed but show no symptoms. The incubation period commonly ranges from three to five days. We are asking students to be extra vigilant with personal hygiene after visiting playgrounds and play rooms etc. We are also asking parents to please inform the school if your child has contracted HFMD. Â
 Symptoms
- Â Some may develop fever
- Â Sore throat
- Â Malaise
- Â Loss of appetite
- Â Skin rash/blisters that begin as small red dots which later become ulcers; most commonly, they appear inside the cheeks, on the sides of the tongue, around the mouth, on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, as well as on the buttocks
How it is Spread
- Â Person-to-person through nose and throat secretions or saliva
- Â After touching contaminated objects
- Â By direct contact with the fluid from vesicles
Treatment
- Antibiotics are not effective in treating this viral illness.
- Allow blisters to dry out naturally; they usually last for seven to 10 days. Â
- Make sure young children are drinking enough as painful mouth sores can make them reluctant to swallow liquids.Â
- Fever can be treated with paracetamol, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Â
Back to School
Children with HFMD should remain at home until their blisters have dried up, the rash has gone and any fever has settled.Â
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Kind Regards,
Nurse Tamara, Nurse Kate, and Nurse Jess.