Awareness of HFMD (Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease)  

28^th August 2022 

Dear Parents, 

This is to inform you that HFMD (Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease) is on the rise again. HFMD is spread from person to person by direct contact with the nasal discharge, saliva, face, and fluid from the rash of an infected person. Both adults and children can be affected but children below five years of age are particularly susceptible. 

Signs & Symptoms 

A child with HFMD may suffer from some of the following common signs and symptoms: 

• Sore throat. 
• Ulcers in the throat, mouth and tongue. 
• Rash with vesicles (small blisters 3–7 mm) on hands, feet and diaper area. The vesicles are typically on the palm side of the hands, the sole side of the feet and are very characteristic in appearance. The rash may also be present on the buttocks, arms and legs. 
• Poor appetite.

To assess if your child has the mentioned disease, kindly do the following:

• Take your child’s temperature 
• Look for mouth ulcers. Check the tongue, inner sides of the mouth and on the lips. 
• Look for tiny blisters with fluids or small pinkish/reddish bumps on the palms and on the side hands. 
• Do the same for the feet, first on the upper part of the feet then the soles. 

As we strive to take every precaution, to prevent the disease to spread we urge you to do the following before sending your child to school. 

If you suspect or if teachers notify you of any signs, please take your child immediately to a doctor and do not bring him/her to school until all the blisters have dried up and your child has fully recovered. This may take 10 to 14 days to fully recover. 

A Medical certificate needs to be provided upon child’s return to school. 

School has taken the following precautionary measures for preventing the spread of HFMD among children. 

• Wearing a mask at all time is mandatory (except when having tiffin, drinking water and P.E. classes). Parents are also requested to send an extra mask in your child’s bag. 
• Look out for signs and symptoms in both children and adults. 
• Toys and appliances are regularly disinfected. 
• Disallow sharing of food and drinks. 
• Ensure washing hands with liquid soap and water before and after eating, and after using the toilet. 
• Advise covering of the mouth and nose with a piece of tissue when coughing or sneezing, during eating or P.E. class.

Looking forward to your cooperation to prevent the spread of HFMD and stay safe. 

Regards.

Sabrina Shaheed

Principal