dept

Student Health Services

 

Hand, Foot, & Mouth Disease - Coxsackie Virus A

 

Cause:Enterovirus group of the family Picornavirus

Signs and Symptoms:A highly contagious viral disease characterized by pharyngitis, low grade fever of 101F, painful ulcers of the mouth and mucous membranes and a skin rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Students will have nausea and vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, and headaches. It usually occurs in the summer and early autumn in children younger than 10.

Incubation Period: 3 to 5 days. Period of communicability is during the acute stage of the illness while fever or lesions exist. The virus persists in stools for several weeks.

Mode of transmission: Direct contact with nose and throat secretions, feces of infected persons, and by respiratory droplets from infected persons.

Preventive Measures: Use of universal precautions, especially handwashing and good personal classroom equipment with recommended disinfectant detergent.

Implications for School: Should your child present any of these symptoms we recommend that you consult your family physician. Exclude from school for fever and until lesions are gone.