Health officials in Prince George’s County, Maryland, have issued a warning about a significant increase in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases within local schools. Over 40 schools in the district have reported incidents of the viral illness affecting students from preschool through high school.
HFMD is a highly contagious viral infection primarily affecting young children, though it can also impact adults. The disease typically begins with mild symptoms resembling a common cold, such as fever, sore throat, and reduced appetite. Within one to two days, painful sores may appear in the mouth, accompanied by a red rash that can develop into blisters on the hands, feet, buttocks, or genital area. The rash and sores can persist for up to a week.
Dr. Traci Jones, supervisor for the Office of School Health for Prince George’s County Public Schools, emphasized the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of HFMD. She advised that children exhibiting symptoms such as fever or open blisters should remain at home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication and all blisters have crusted over. Additionally, children should not return to school if they have mouth sores causing drooling or open sores on their hands that cannot be covered.
To mitigate the outbreak, schools are enhancing cleaning protocols, including increased sanitation of frequently touched surfaces and toys. Health officials also recommend that parents frequently disinfect items children may put in their mouths and ensure proper handwashing practices are followed. While HFMD is not life-threatening, its ease of transmission in communal settings like schools makes vigilance and preventive measures crucial to controlling its spread.
