In an update that has local parents on high alert, several cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease have been reported among students within the Memphis-Shelby County Schools. The Shelby County Health Department, in cooperation with the school district, is actively investigating the situation, giving rise to concerns about the potential spread of the contagion.
Transmissible primarily among children under five, hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) presents with fever, sore throat, appetite loss, and distinguishing blisters or rashes. The virus, while rarely severe, is notorious for its easy spread through saliva or blister fluid contact, or even fecal matter, of those infected, reports indicate that individuals are most infectious during the initial week of symptoms.
Efforts to stem the outbreak have the Shelby County Health Department providing both recommendations and specific cleaning protocols to affected schools. "The Health Department's role is to provide guidance to Memphis-Shelby County Schools to reduce the spread of the HFMD virus," stated Dr. Bruce Randolph, Shelby County Health Department Director and Health Officer, according to the health department's notice. These strategies include the exclusion of symptomatic children from the school environment and advice on disinfecting classrooms and common areas where the virus might be present.
Emphasis has been placed on parental vigilance to quickly identify and manage HFMD. Dr. Randolph advised, "Parents should be on the lookout for symptoms, including fever, rash, sore throat, or mouth sores, keep sick children home from school, and see a health care provider for care and guidance," as mentioned on the Shelby County Health Department website. The proactive removal of sick children from schools and daycare settings is paramount, as it significantly curtails the likelihood of further transmissions in the community.
For those seeking additional information on the illness and the health department's recommendations, they can visit the Shelby County Health Department website.
