Health authorities have reported an active outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease in Tennessee, impacting close to 200 children and staff members across multiple schools.In its latest update on Monday, October 20, the Shelby County Health Department confirmed that 178 cases have been identified among students and staff in 31 schools and three daycare centers.What Is Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease?Health officials in Tennessee have issued a warning about a “highly contagious” illness spreading through several schools and childcare facilities.The Shelby County Health Department confirmed in a recent statement that an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) has been detected across 31 schools and three childcare centers in the state.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand, foot and mouth disease is a contagious viral infection that typically leads to fever, mouth ulcers, and a skin rash. Although it most often affects children under the age of five, people of any age can contract it. Symptoms usually persist for about a week to ten days. The CDC explains that the virus spreads easily through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, as well as through contact with contaminated objects, surfaces, or fluid from blisters.Symptoms Of Hand, Foot And Mouth DiseaseHand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) usually develops in two stages. In the beginning, children often experience mild, flu-like symptoms such as a low fever, sore throat, runny nose, stomach discomfort, and loss of appetite. These early signs typically subside after a few days, followed by the appearance of an itchy rash on the palms, soles, elbows, knees, or buttocks, along with painful mouth sores that may form on or around the tongue, as per Cleveland Clinic.These sores usually start as small pink spots before turning into blisters, and some children may also develop swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Most cases clear up within a week to ten days, though recovery can take longer in children under two years old.What Causes Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease?The illness is caused by viruses from the coxsackievirus and enterovirus families, which are commonly found in the mouth and digestive tract. HFMD is highly contagious, especially in the first few days of infection and often before the rash appears. While the blisters usually dry up within ten days, the virus can linger in stool for several weeks, meaning children may still spread it after symptoms have disappeared. The infection spreads through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, through direct contact with saliva, stool, or fluid from blisters, and by sharing utensils, cups, or towels. It can also spread by touching contaminated toys, surfaces, or doorknobs and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.The Shelby County Health Department stated that it has been working closely with schools and childcare centers to track the outbreak and reduce the spread of the infection.Dr. Bruce Randolph, Director and Health Officer of the department, noted that while most cases of hand, foot and mouth disease are mild, the virus can spread rapidly in group settings such as classrooms and daycare facilities. He advised parents to keep affected children at home until their fever has subsided, they are feeling better, and their mouth sores or blisters have started to heal.
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