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health officer inside tennessee have warned about a “very contagious” disease spreading through dozens of schools and child care centres.
The Shelby County Health Department recently said an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) continues, affecting 31 schools and three child care centers in the state. News release,
The first case was identified in late August and at least 178 students and staff members have been affected as of Monday, officials said.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned HFMD, which is caused by a virus, “is usually not serious, but it is very contagious.”
This disease is spreading rapidly in places where there are children. Although it usually affects children under five years of age, adults can also be affected.
HFMD can spread through droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. It can also spread through contact with objects and surfaces that contain virus particles, blisters, and fluid from stool.
Symptoms include fever, sore throat, painful sores in the mouth, blisters and a rash, usually on the hands and feet.
The CDC says most children have mild symptoms and then recover on their own in seven to 10 days.
The CDC recommends that to prevent catching or spreading the disease, people should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing a diaper.
Caregivers should help children wash their hands and keep their blisters clean. People should avoid touching their faces with unwashed hands and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared objects such as toys.
Shelby County health officials said it has worked closely with schools and child care providers to monitor the outbreak and limit the spread of the disease.
“Although most cases of hand, foot and mouth disease are mild, the virus spreads easily in group environments such as schools and daycares,” Dr. Bruce Randolph, Shelby County Health Department director and health officer, said in a statement. “Parents should keep sick children home until they are free of fever, feeling well, and mouth sores or ulcers have improved.”