Gert van der Hoek
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Story last updated at 9:15 PM on Wednesday, October 10, 2007
District Issues Health Alert
Several cases of hand, foot and mouth virus have surfaced in the Homer area, including the schools, according to Naomi Walsworth, health coordinator for the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. "It is a common viral illness, and most often seen in young children who spend a lot of time together," Walsworth said.
Although not usually requiring medical attention, it does cause sores that can be painful and uncomfortable and usually heal over about a week. It appears similar to a cold, making it difficult to identify until blisters appear. However, by that time, the person has already been contagious for one-two days.
Parents are being asked to keep children with the following symptoms home from school:
* Fever of 100 degrees F or higher, or other symptoms that would limit the child from participating in the school day; and
* Any open, weeping blisters.
"Prevention is the biggest key to limiting this virus and good hand washing is a must, especially after changing diapers and using the bathroom," Walsworth said. She urged covering the mouth during sneezes or coughs and washing toys and other surfaces with saliva on them.
http://www.homernews.com/stories/10102007/news_3_004l.shtml
District Issues Health Alert
Several cases of hand, foot and mouth virus have surfaced in the Homer area, including the schools, according to Naomi Walsworth, health coordinator for the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. "It is a common viral illness, and most often seen in young children who spend a lot of time together," Walsworth said.
Although not usually requiring medical attention, it does cause sores that can be painful and uncomfortable and usually heal over about a week. It appears similar to a cold, making it difficult to identify until blisters appear. However, by that time, the person has already been contagious for one-two days.
Parents are being asked to keep children with the following symptoms home from school:
* Fever of 100 degrees F or higher, or other symptoms that would limit the child from participating in the school day; and
* Any open, weeping blisters.
"Prevention is the biggest key to limiting this virus and good hand washing is a must, especially after changing diapers and using the bathroom," Walsworth said. She urged covering the mouth during sneezes or coughs and washing toys and other surfaces with saliva on them.
http://www.homernews.com/stories/10102007/news_3_004l.shtml