Hand, foot and mouth disease infects Flagler child care centers

HFMD is generally not serious, but highly contagious, and common among young children.

  • By Guest Author
  • | 11:10 a.m. September 24, 2021
Photo by singkham on Adobe Stock
Photo by singkham on Adobe Stock
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by: Gretchen Smith

Communications Manager & Public Information Officer, Florida Department of Health in Flagler

The Florida Department of Health in Flagler County has received reports of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in two child care centers in the community. While this illness is generally not serious, HFMD is highly contagious, common in children under 5 years old and spreads quickly through in-person contact, respiratory droplets, and contact with contaminated surfaces and objects.

Typical symptoms of HFMD include:

  • Fever and flu-like symptoms including sore throat, eating or drinking less, and generally not feeling well.
  • Mouth sores that can appear one to two days after a fever starts. These sores usually start in the back of the throat and appear as small red dots. They may become painful blisters.
  • Skin rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. A rash can also appear on the knees, elbows, buttocks, or genital area.

There is no vaccine for HFMD. If you begin to see signs and symptoms of the virus, please keep your child home from school and childcare. Most cases will resolve at home with supportive care, but you should see a healthcare provider if your child:

  • Has a weakened immune system,
  • Experiences a fever for more than three days,
  • Has symptoms that become severe or do not improve within ten days,
  • Is under 6 months old, and
  • Cannot stay hydrated.

Steps you can take to minimize the spread include washing hands frequently, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched/shared items like toys and doorknobs, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

For more information on hand, foot, and mouth disease, please visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index.html or call the Florida Department of Health in Flagler County at 386-437-7350.

 

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