Memphis, September 9, 2025
News Summary
The Shelby County Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease at Sherwood Elementary School, where symptoms have been reported among students. In response, health officials and the school have enforced safety protocols, urging parents to monitor their children for signs of illness. As the disease is highly contagious, prompt preventive measures are being prioritized to ensure the health of students and staff.
Memphis Health Authorities Investigate Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreak at Sherwood Elementary School
The Shelby County Department of Health (SCDH) is actively investigating cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease reported among students at Sherwood Elementary School in Memphis. The first outbreak was identified on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, prompting a coordinated response from SCDH and the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) to address the situation and protect the health of students and staff.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral illness that’s especially prevalent among children aged five and younger, although it can also affect older children and adults. Symptoms often begin with a sudden onset of fever, sore throat, and runny nose. Additionally, individuals may develop flat or raised red spots or blisters in the mouth and on the skin, particularly on fingers, palms, the bottoms of feet, and buttocks, occasionally accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and a rash.
Containment Measures Initiated
In response to the outbreak, MSCS has implemented enhanced health and safety protocols within classrooms. Parents are urged to monitor their children for symptoms such as fever, mouth sores, or rash and to keep symptomatic children at home. Those suspected of having the illness should seek guidance from a healthcare provider for evaluation and management.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is highly contagious, primarily spreading through direct contact with the saliva, nose, and throat discharges of an infected person. It can also spread through contact with fluid from blisters or rashes. Symptoms typically appear three to seven days following exposure, and individuals are particularly contagious during the first week of illness, making prompt communication and preventive measures critical.
Health Authority Recommendations
Following the incidents at Sherwood Elementary, Dr. Bruce Randolph, the director and health officer of SCDH, has communicated important guidance to MSCS. This includes recommendations for excluding symptomatic children from school and implementing rigorous disinfecting protocols in classrooms and common areas. Authorities emphasize the necessity of hygiene practices to mitigate the further spread of the virus.
While there is no specific treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease, the majority of cases are mild, and severe complications are rare. Active monitoring and preventive measures are crucial for keeping the school community safe during this outbreak.
Further Information Available
For those seeking additional information about hand, foot, and mouth disease, the SCDH has resources and guidelines available on its official website, aimed at educating parents and the broader public on the nature of the illness, preventive strategies, and when to seek medical help.
About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is generally characterized by the following:
- Common Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, runny nose, sores in the mouth, red spots/blisters on hands and feet.
- Age Group: Primarily affects children aged five and under, but can also affect older children and adults.
- Contagious Period: Most contagious during the first week of illness.
Outbreak History and Background
Hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreaks are common in school settings and childcare environments, particularly in warmer months. Previous outbreaks have been reported throughout various school districts, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance by parents, educators, and health authorities to manage and contain potential flare-ups.
Preventive Steps for Parents
Parents are reminded to maintain open lines of communication with schools while monitoring their children for symptoms. Encouraging regular handwashing, minimizing contact with sick individuals, and adhering to health guidelines will support efforts to curtail the spread of this contagious virus.
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral illness that primarily affects children, characterized by fever, mouth sores, and red spots or blisters on the hands and feet.
How does the virus spread?
The virus spreads through direct contact with the saliva, nose, and throat discharges of an infected person, as well as through contact with blister or rash fluid.
What should I do if my child shows symptoms?
If your child shows symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease, keep them at home and consult a healthcare provider for advice.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Common Symptoms | Fever, sore throat, mouth sores, rash on hands and feet |
| Target Age Group | Primarily children aged five and under |
| Contagious Nature | Highly contagious, especially during the first week of illness |
| Preventive Measures | Regular handwashing, monitoring for symptoms, hygiene practices |
| Response by Health Authorities | Investigation, guidance on school exclusion, classroom sanitization |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease at Sherwood Elementary
Concerns Mount Over Safety in Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Memphis Schools Achieve Academic Growth Amid Challenges
Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in Memphis School
Investigation Underway for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease at Sherwood Elementary
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Confirmed at Sherwood Elementary
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Action News 5
- WREG News
- Local Memphis
- Hoodline
- Wikipedia: Hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Google Search: Hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Google Scholar: Hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Google News: Hand, foot, and mouth disease
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