Hand, Foot, and Mouth

Fever, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite and lack of energy. May also develop red spots on the hands and feet, as well as mouth ulcers. Symptoms can last 7 to 10 days, usually appearing 3-6 days after exposure to the virus.
Hand foot and mouth is spread by coming in contact with infected nose and throat secretions or contaminated items. Someone would be considered contagious for 1-3 weeks after their symptoms began.
  • Proper hand hygiene
  • Cough and sneeze etiquette
  • Proper disposal of tissues
  • Cleaning of contaminated items
    • No exclusion from school is necessary unless the student is feeling unwell.
    Seek medical assistance if needed for symptom management.

    Communication Notice (recommended to be distributed if two or more cases are present)

    We have been advised of a suspected case(s) of hand foot and mouth disease in our classroom/school. While hand foot and mouth disease can be a nuisance, it is a common childhood condition. Exclusion from school is not required and students can return once they are feeling well.

    Parent/guardians are encouraged to watch their child for signs of hand foot and mouth disease which include, fever, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, lack of energy, rash with red spots on the hands and feet, as well as mouth ulcers. These symptoms can last 7-10 days.

    If you suspect your child may have hand, foot, and mouth disease, please contact a health care provider for treatment if required, or 811 for advice. To find out more, check out this fact sheet on hand foot and mouth disease at: https://811.novascotia.ca/health_topics/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease-2/