This health alert is to advise the community of a recent increase in Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Tulalip.
HFMD infection spreads quickly and should NOT be confused with the chicken pox (more info below).
If your child or family member has symptoms of HFMD, take the child or family member to their medical provider:
First few days:
o Fever
o Reduced appetite
o Sore throat
o Feeling unwell (malaise)
A day or two later:
o Painful sores in the mouth, usually starting in the back of the mouth
o The sores often start as small red spots that blister then turn to ulcers.
Over a few days:
· Similar spots (red spots that may blister) on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
· Other, less common places for the spots are: knees, elbows, buttocks, and genital area.
More information: http://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/signs-symptoms.html
HFMD Spreads VERY easily. Prevent the spread by:
· Frequent handwashing with soap and water:
o Always after touching any blister or sore
o Before preparing food and/or eating
o Before caring for babies
o After using the toilet/changing diapers
· Cleaning surfaces touched by anyone with HFMD (including toys, counters, dishes, etc.)
o First clean with soap and water
o Then disinfect with a solution made of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water (e.g. 2 Tablespoons bleach in 1¼ cup water)
· Avoid close contact (kissing hugging, sharing cups, forks, spoons, etc.) with anyone with HFMD
· Keep infants and sick children out of school, daycare, and other gatherings until they are well.
· Monitor sick children and see a doctor right away if:
o There is a high fever that doesn’t go down,
o The baby/child is not as alert as normal, or
o You think the baby/child needs to be seen (isn’t getting better, something is “off,” etc.)
· Cough and sneeze into your elbow and teach children to do the same
· Immediately throw away used tissues, diapers, etc. in trash bins with lids
HFMD is not preventable with a vaccine. You can get HFMD more than once. There is no benefit to getting or spreading HFMD.
HFMD is NOT “chicken pox” (varicella), nor is it related. Currently, there are NO confirmed cases of chicken pox at this time. HFMD rash is more common on the hands, feet, and in the mouth; chicken pox rash is more common on the chest/back/abdomen. If you would like to learn about chicken pox: http://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/about/ All children should be vaccinated against chicken pox twice: on or shortly after their 1stbirthday and again before kindergarten.
Thank you for your attention and for caring for your community.