County urges families to take precautions as hand, foot and mouth cases rise

*Symptoms include fever, mouth sores, and rash on the hands and feet. Children are encouraged to stay home when sick to help prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).*

San Bernardino County is seeing an increase in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) a common illness that mostly affects babies and young children, especially in group settings like schools and daycare. HFMD is very contagious and spreads quickly, but it is usually mild, and most children recover on their own within 7 to 10 days.

“Parents and guardians are encouraged to have children stay at home when sick,” said Dr. Sharon Wang, county health officer. “This simple precaution significantly reduces the risk of further transmission.”

HFMD symptoms include fever, mouth sores and rash on the hands and feet. HFMD spreads through contact with droplets (i.e., saliva, mucus), kissing, sharing cups or eating utensils, contact with fluid from blisters, contaminated stool and objects and surfaces that have been contaminated.

When to stay home

Individuals exhibiting symptoms should stay home until all of the following conditions are met:

They have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
Mouth sores have healed.
No uncontrolled drooling.
Blisters have dried up or scabbed over, and rashes have begun to heal.
If they feel well enough to participate in normal activities.

How to feel better

Symptoms can be managed by:

Using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Do not give aspirin to children unless instructed by a doctor, due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
Eating and drinking cold foods and fluids to soothe mouth discomfort.
Using saltwater rinses to soothe a sore throat.
Keeping blisters clean and dry.
Washing your hands frequently.

How to prevent spread

You can help reduce the spread of HFMD by:

Practicing proper hand hygiene techniques especially before food preparation, after toilet visits and after coughing or sneezing.
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces (e.g., door handles, toys, light switches, toilets) using a bleach-water solution. Also disinfect toys, utensils and dishes with a bleach solution or EPA-approved disinfectant, then rinse thoroughly.
Avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick.

These measures help reduce the risk of infection of germs that can survive on surfaces and be spread by infected individuals.

When to report an outbreak

Please call to report if three or more confirmed or probable HFMD cases occur within 3 to 5 days and linked to a common setting, such as a single classroom, team, group or event.

How to report:

San Bernardino County Public Health:

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.: 800-722-4794
After hours, weekends and holidays: 800-472-2376

Schools seeking more detailed direction on managing illness and reporting requirements can review the California Department of Public Health’s school guidance. For general information about HFMD, contact San Bernardino County Public Health at 800-722-4794 or visit the Public Health Communicable Disease webpage.

Additional County Update News – December 11