Hand Foot and Mouth

Good afternoon parents,

We would like to inform you that we have had an out break of Hand, Foot and Mouth within the classroom. Once infection with the HFMD virus has occurred, the time until symptoms appear (incubation period) is usually between three and six days.

HFMD is most contagious in the first week after symptoms appear or while there is fluid in the affected child’s blisters. However, the virus can remain present in the faeces for several weeks.

Initial symptoms of HFMD often appear suddenly and include a mild fever and sore throat. A headache may also be present. One to two days later the following symptoms develop:

• Painful ulcer-like blisters in the mouth - particularly on the lining of cheeks, roof of the mouth, gums and tongue.
• A rash with small fluid-filled blisters on the pads of the fingers and palms of the hands and/or soles of the feet.  Occasionally the rash and blisters appear on the buttocks.

In addition, children are often tired and irritable. They may also refuse food and fluids due to the painful blisters in the mouth. Hand Foot and Mouth

For more information on HFM please visit the website below.

If your child has any symptom's please take them to the doctor.

https://www.southerncross.co.nz/AboutTheGroup/HealthResources/MedicalLibrary/tabid/178/vw/1/ItemID/168/Hand-foot-and-mouth-disease.aspx