Date:  October 14, 2021

 

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Your child may have been exposed to Hand Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD).  There has been an outbreak of HFMD in various schools and daycares throughout the valley. We have now heard of two children within our own elementary who are symptomatic. HFMD is a viral illness that affects mainly infants and children, however adults can also contract this disease. Pregnant women and persons with weakened immune systems who are exposed to hand, foot, and mouth disease should contact their health care provider. 

While this is a contagious virus, it is not life threatening. However, your immediate attention is required to ensure that the virus is not spread. Please follow the guidelines below.

SYMPTOMS OF HAND FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

The first symptoms of HFMD are usually fever, sore throat, loss of appetite and feeling sick.  Several days after fever begins, small red spots develop in the mouth that may turn into blisters or ulcers.  A skin rash can also develop on the hands, feet, and buttocks, and sometimes on the arms and legs.  The rash may be raised or flat red spots and blisters.  Not everyone with HFMD has all these symptoms.

HOW SOON DO SYMPTOMS OF HAND FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE APPEAR?

Symptoms of HFMD usually appear 3-7 days after initial exposure and infection.

HOW IS HFMD SPREAD?

HFMD is commonly spread by contact with an infected person’s nasal discharge, saliva, stool, or blister fluid.  A person is most contagious during the first week of the illness.

HOW IS HFMD TREATED?

There is no specific treatment.  Almost all children with HFMD recover on their own.  People with HFMD should rest and drink liquids to prevent dehydration.  You may contact your child’s health provider for other suggestions on how to treat the disease.

HOW CAN HFMD BE PREVENTED?

Everyone in the household of a person with HFMD should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water after using the toilet, changing diapers, and having contact with nasal, saliva and blister discharge.

WHEN CAN MY CHILD RETURN TO SCHOOL?

Children can return to school when their fever goes away and their sores have healed.

If you have any questions about HFMD, we encourage you to contact your healthcare provider, or Idaho North Central Public Health at: (208) 799-3100.   

https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index.html

This afternoon we were able to speak to North Central Public Health and it has been determined that there was no direct exposure to COVID-19 by our students thanks to the quick actions of their parents/guardians. The students have also all tested negative after their mandatory waiting period.

We will be able to lift our mask mandate in the elementary and middle school classes.

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It has come to our attention this afternoon that a student who is part of the 7th/8th grade group has had a close contact exposure to at least one person with a positive COVID-19 test result.

Our secondary students who are in attendance have been required to wear masks or face shields when social distancing is not possible.  Because of the mask mandate that we have had in place, North Central Public Health has advised by that we may continue to resume “in-person” learning on Monday, September 13.  Masks for all will be recommended, but not required at this time. This is a fluid situation and this of course could change at any time.

We will continue to monitor the situation within our district and we will make our patrons aware of any new information as we receive it.

Thank you all for your continued understanding and patience at this time.

Please email any questions or concerns to: poppyf@culsch.org and I will forward them to the appropriate person.

WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME