Public Health Dept Press Release re:hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in Calaveras County

Calaveras County public health officials have reported that Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) has been identified in students at a local elementary school.  Eight cases of HFMD have been reported at Jenny Lind Elementary School.  HFMD is a viral disease that causes fever, skin rash, and red spots or sores in the mouth.  Infants and children under 10 years old are usually affected, but youth and adults can also become sick.  HFMD is not related to foot and mouth disease, which occurs in livestock.

Persons with HFMD usually develop a fever, sore throat and malaise (feeling sick).  Red spots develop one to two days later on the inside of the cheek, gums and tongue.  The spots may turn into blisters or ulcers.  A rash may appear on hands, feet and buttock.  The rash may be raised or flat spots or blisters.  A person may not have all of the symptoms.

Most children and adults recover on their own in 7-10 days.  “People should rest and drink liquids to avoid dehydration,” stated Dr. Dean Kelaita, County Health Officer.  A doctor or clinic should be contacted if an ill person, especially a young child, cannot take fluids.  Sores in the mouth can make swallowing painful.  “Complications from HFMD are rare, but persons who develop a headache, neck stiffness and fever should seek medical attention,” Dr. Kelaita recommended.

The virus that causes HFMD is easily spread, usually by contact with an infected person’s saliva, nose or throat discharge, fluid from blisters or stool.  Symptoms start 3-7 days after exposure to the virus.  HFMD can also be spread from surfaces contaminated with the virus.  Thorough cleaning is recommended. 

To prevent the spread of HFMD, the Calaveras County Public Health Department recommends:

·         Wash hands often and thoroughly

·         Wash hands with soap and water after contact with ill persons especially after changing diapers or helping with toileting.

·         Toys and surfaces used by a sick person should be washed with soap and water and then cleaned with a diluted bleach solution (1/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water).  Be careful when using bleach to avoid fumes.

·         Keep sick children home from school or daycare until fever is gone and all mouth sores have healed.

·         Stay home from work until all symptoms have resolved.

For more information, contact the Calaveras County Public Health Department at

209-754-6460 or on the Department’s website at www.calaveraspublichealth.com

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