HFM Health Alert

We want to inform you that there has been a recent increase in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) across Metro Atlanta, with several cases reported at ANCS. HFMD is a mild but contagious illness that is most common in young children, though anyone can get it.

Symptoms may include fever, sore throat, painful mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet. Symptoms usually appear 3–6 days after exposure and children are most contagious during the first week of illness.

Keep your child home if they have a fever, are too sick to participate in school activities, or have mouth sores with excessive drooling. Children may return to school once they are fever-free for at least 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication) and are well enough to participate. Any open sores should be properly covered with bandages.