Shelby County, Tennessee, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Shelby County Health Department has reported an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease affecting 31 schools and 3 childcare centers. A total of 178 students and staff members have shown symptoms. The outbreak began with cases at Sherwood Elementary and has raised concerns about the contagious nature of the illness, particularly in group settings. Parents are advised to keep sick children at home and follow preventive measures to limit the spread.
Shelby County, Tennessee
The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) has reported an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) affecting 31 schools and 3 childcare centers. A total of 178 students and staff members have reported symptoms related to the outbreak.
The first cases of HFMD were reported in September, with initial cases recorded at Sherwood Elementary. The outbreak was confirmed after health officials were notified in early September, although the first cases were detected in late August.
HFMD is a common viral illness primarily affecting young children, but adults and older children can also be infected. Symptoms of HFMD typically appear 3-6 days after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Sore throat or feeling unwell
- Small red spots or blisters inside the mouth, on hands, feet, or buttocks
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
The illness generally lasts from seven to ten days. HFMD is highly contagious and can be spread through:
- Respiratory droplets (from coughing, sneezing, or talking)
- Direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, or blister fluid
- Fecal-oral transmission, including contact with contaminated surfaces
Health officials, including SCHD Director and Health Officer, have emphasized the ease of the illness’s spread in group environments like schools and daycares. Parents are advised to keep sick children at home until they are fever-free, feeling well, and any mouth sores or blisters have improved.
In order to reduce the spread of HFMD, parents and caregivers are encouraged to follow these recommendations:
- Encouraging frequent handwashing with soap and water
- Daily cleaning and disinfecting of toys, doorknobs, and shared surfaces
- Teaching children to cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoiding the sharing of cups, utensils, or personal items
Memphis-Shelby County Schools are working closely with SCHD to implement safety protocols and maintain healthy learning environments. School communication about HFMD, health guidance, and reporting forms are available to families through district channels and the SCHD website.
Health officials noted that the increase in HFMD cases might be related to students being isolated during COVID-19 lockdowns, resulting in lower exposure to typical childhood viruses. While serious complications from HFMD are rare, most infected children recover within a week.
FAQ
What is the current status of the HFMD outbreak in Shelby County?
The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) reported an outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) affecting 31 schools and 3 childcare centers. A total of 178 students and staff members have been impacted by the outbreak.
When were the first cases of HFMD reported?
The first cases of HFMD were reported in September, with initial cases recorded at Sherwood Elementary. The outbreak was confirmed after health officials were notified in early September, although the first cases were detected in late August.
What are the symptoms of HFMD?
Symptoms of HFMD typically appear 3-6 days after exposure and may include: fever, sore throat or feeling unwell, small red spots or blisters inside the mouth, on hands, feet, or buttocks, and loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.
How can parents help prevent the spread of HFMD?
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to follow recommendations such as encouraging frequent handwashing with soap and water, daily cleaning and disinfecting of toys, doorknobs, and shared surfaces, teaching children to cover coughs and sneezes, and avoiding the sharing of cups, utensils, or personal items.
How long does HFMD typically last?
The illness generally lasts from seven to ten days.
Key Features of the HFMD Outbreak
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Shelby County, Tennessee |
| Affected Institutions | 31 schools, 3 childcare centers |
| Total Cases | 178 students and staff members |
| First Reported Cases | Late August |
| Typical Symptoms | Fever, sore throat, blisters, loss of appetite |
| Duration | 7 to 10 days |
| Transmission Methods | Respiratory droplets, saliva, fecal-oral |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Significant Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Shelby County
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Shelby County
Groundbreaking for New Frayser High School Begins
Memphis Reports on Mixed Performance in Student Growth
Memphis Emphasizes the Changing Landscape of Public Health Science
The Daily Memphian: A Community-Focused News Organization
Health Authorities Investigate Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Outbreak
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
Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
- Local Memphis
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virus
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