Outbreak of 'Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease' Hits Derby High School

DERBY, CT — An outbreak of coxsackie virus has hit Derby High School and several students have been affected, officials announced.

"On September 19, 2016 several cases of the coxsackie virus were reported to school officials at Derby High School," wrote Principal Martin Pascale in a letter to parents this week. "As a safety precaution, Derby High School will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected by the facilities management team. In addition, parents are encouraged to check your child/children for signs of a blister rash on the palms of their hands, soles of their feet and inside their mouths. Symptoms may also include a fever."

In addition to the warning to parents, the Sept. 23 football game between Derby and Seymour high schools has been postponed, because four members of the Derby team have contracted the virus, reports GameTime CT.

Coxsackie virus, also known as hand, foot, and mouth disease, is "spread through close personal contact. This can occur when there is direct contact with nose, throat, and fecal discharges of infected persons," according to a coxsackie virus fact sheet from the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Additional information about the virus from the state Department of Public Health:

Who gets coxsackie virus?
Anyone can be infected, but the disease seems to occur predominately in children under ten years of age.
When can a person spread the virus to to others?
A person may spread the virus to to others just prior to the onset of symptoms, during the acute stage of illness and perhaps longer, since this virus may persist in the stool for several weeks. The incubation period is usually 3-5 days.
What are the symptoms and when do they appear?
Symptoms develop three to five days after exposure. Most children will complain of a sore throat or sore mouth and loss of appetite. Fever of 101-102 lasts 1-2 days and is usually accompanied by sores in the mouth. Sores can also occur on the hands and feet and occasionally on the buttocks. The illness is mild and lasts one week or less.
What is the treatment?
At this time, there is no specific treatment.
What can be done to prevent the spread of this disease?
Particular attention should be paid to hand washing and personal hygiene.

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