October 2019 – Mrs. Kubert's SXI Classroom

Dear Parents/Guardians:

There has been a case of Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (Coxsackievirus Herpangina) reported in Mrs. Kubert’s class. It is a viral infection. It causes red-ringed blisters and ulcers on the tonsils and soft palate (the fleshy back portion of the mouth). Some children suddenly develop fevers of 101-104 degrees Fahrenheit, headache, and muscle aches, a sore throat or flu-like symptoms. In most children the fever lasts about 3 days, then disappears. The fever may reappear 2 or 3 days later and last a few days more. The symptoms generally last 3-6 days. The incubation period (the time between infection and the onset of symptoms) is about 2-10 days.

Coxsackie viruses are very contagious. They’re usually passed from person to person on unwashed hands and surfaces contaminated by feces. They can also be spread through droplets of fluid sprayed in to the air when someone sneezes or coughs. A child is most contagious the first week they’re sick. Handwashing is the best prevention of the coxsackie virus. Remind your child and all members of your family to wash their hands frequently, particularly after using the toilet, changing diapers and before meal preparation.

Please keep your child home if he/she complains of a sore throat and pain with swallowing. Take your child to the doctor for any of the symptoms listed above. Please notify me or the office if your child has any communicable disease.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Deborah Czerniak RN

Howe School Nurse

(313) 827-7009