Hand, foot and mouth disease confirmed in 30+ schools, daycares in Shelby Co.
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The Shelby County Health Department says that the outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) that was previously thought to be isolated to one elementary school has affected nearly three dozen education centers countywide.
In early September, the health department said it was working with Memphis-Shelby County Schools after several cases of the virus were confirmed at Sherwood Elementary School.
On Monday, the health department announced that the disease since been confirmed to have affected 31 schools and three daycare centers total in the county. The department says 178 students/staff members have been diagnosed.
The health department did not identify the campuses affected in Monday’s release.
The local agency added that health department officials were not immediately notified of the first cases that were confirmed at the end of August. The department was reportedly notified of the outbreak at Sherwood in early September.
The Shelby County Health Department says HFMD is a common viral illness, especially amongst young children, but older children and adults can also become infected.
Symptoms typically appear three to six days after exposure and may include:
- Fever, sore throat, or feeling unwell
- Small red spots or blisters inside the mouth, on the hands, feet, or buttocks
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
Health officials say the illness usually lasts seven to 10 days and is highly contagious, particularly in settings where children are in close contact.
The virus spreads through:
- Respiratory droplets (from coughing, sneezing, or talking)
- Direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, or blister fluid
- Fecal-oral transmission, including contact with contaminated surfaces
“While most cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease are mild, the virus spreads easily in group environments like schools and daycares,” said Dr. Bruce Randolph, Shelby County Health Department director and health officer. “Parents should keep sick children home until they are fever-free, feeling well, and any mouth sores or blisters have improved.”
Parents and caregivers can help limit the spread of HFMD by:
- Encouraging frequent handwashing with soap and water
- Cleaning and disinfecting toys, doorknobs, and shared surfaces daily
- Teaching children to cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoiding the sharing of cups, utensils, or personal items
- Keeping sick children home until symptoms have fully resolved
The health department reports that it is continuing to provide guidance to local schools and childcare providers on exclusion criteria, disinfection methods, and outbreak management.
The department created a fact sheet on HFMD, which can be found here.
MSCS released a statement Monday saying that it is reinforcing safety protocols to help prevent the disease’s spread.
To safeguard school communities, MSCS has reportedly implemented enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures districtwide, including:
- Frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces such as doors, desks, handrails, and cafeteria tables.
- Professional cleaning of classroom rugs and sanitizing of soft toys.
- Increased visibility of custodial staff during the school day.
- Emphasis on proper handwashing. Students are required to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds after restroom use, before meals, and after recess or transitions.
The school district also encourages families to keep children at home if they exhibit fever, vomiting, draining sores, diarrhea, or other HFMD symptoms.
MSCS says school nurses and attendance liaisons are monitoring and reporting cases closely, while principals and teachers are reinforcing hygiene education and ensuring that communication to families is clear and consistent.
MSCS will also provide additional soap and hand sanitizer to schools and continue to work with the health department to monitor and report confirmed or suspected HFMD cases.
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