Hand, foot and mouth disease notice

The College advises that students in Years 7, 8 and 12 have contracted hand, foot and mouth disease. The boys in question are under appropriate medical care.

Outlined below are some general guidelines for your information.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a virus that causes a rash or blisters on the hands and feet, as well as in or around the mouth. Other symptoms may include fever and sore throat, leading to loss of appetite or risk of dehydration.

Incubation periods for Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is commonly three – seven days.

Infectious period (that is the time during which an infected person can infect others and may not attend school) can last from seven – ten days, or until the blisters have dried.

Spread of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease:

• This infection is spread by direct contact with fluid from the skin blisters, nose and throat discharges (including saliva, sputum or nasal mucus), droplets (sneezing, coughing) and faeces (stools). Good personal hygiene is important to prevent spread of the infection to others.
• The skin blisters of HFMD are infectious until they become crusty and there is no fluid in the blisters. The virus may also be shed in the faeces (poo) for several weeks after the blisters resolve.

Treatment

• HFMD is a mild illness that resolves within a few days. There is no specific treatment and usually none is required.
• Use paracetamol (not aspirin) as directed for fever and any discomfort. Offer plenty of fluids, but avoid orange juice, which is acidic and may cause pain with mouth ulcers. Allow blisters to dry naturally. Do not pierce blisters, as the fluid within them is infectious.
• If a child with HFMD complains of severe headache, if fever persists, of if there are any worrying symptoms, consult your local doctor immediately.

For further information please refer to:

Hand, foot and mouth disease – health.vic

Please watch your child for any symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease over the next several weeks and if you notice any of these symptoms in your child, please notify the College on 5331 1688 as soon as possible.