Shelby County, Tennessee, October 21, 2025
News Summary
An outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Shelby County, Tennessee, has affected 31 schools and 178 individuals, causing concern among parents and health officials. The disease is particularly contagious in school and daycare environments, prompting health officials to recommend preventative measures. Symptoms typically arise 3 to 6 days post-infection, and the outbreak is currently under close monitoring. Parents are encouraged to take safety precautions to limit the spread.
Shelby County, Tennessee: Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Affects 31 Schools, Health Officials Report
The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) reports that Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) has impacted 31 schools and 178 students and staff members in Shelby County, Tennessee. This ongoing outbreak, which has caused significant concern among parents and school administrators, was first reported in September at Sherwood Elementary School.
In addition to schools, three childcare centers have also been affected by the HFMD outbreak. Health officials emphasize the high contagion rate of the disease, as it spreads easily in group environments such as schools and daycare centers.
Symptoms and Spread
Individuals infected with HFMD typically show symptoms 3 to 6 days after infection, which can include:
- Fever
- Sore throat or general feeling of being unwell
- Small red spots or blisters inside the mouth, on hands, feet, or buttocks
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
The duration of the illness is usually 7 to 10 days. HFMD spreads through various means, including:
- Respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking
- Direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, or blister fluid
- Fecal-oral transmission, particularly from contaminated surfaces
Preventive Measures
In light of the outbreak, health officials recommend specific preventive measures for families to help contain the spread of HFMD:
- Encouraging frequent handwashing with soap and water
- Cleaning and disinfecting toys, doorknobs, and shared surfaces daily
- Teaching children to cover their coughs and sneezes
- Avoiding the sharing of cups, utensils, or personal items
Parents are advised to keep any sick children at home until they are fever-free, feel well, and any mouth sores or blisters have improved. The outbreak is considered ongoing and necessitates close monitoring by school nurses and attendance liaisons within the district.
Cooperation with Schools
The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) are proactively working with the SCHD to reinforce safety protocols aimed at preventing further spread of HFMD. Families are encouraged to access communication toolkits, reporting forms, and health guidance through district channels and the SCHD website.
Conclusion
As the Shelby County community faces this HFMD outbreak, awareness and preventive measures are crucial in safeguarding the health of students and staff within schools and childcare facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)?
HFMD is a highly contagious disease that is common in children and can spread easily in group settings like schools and daycare centers.
How many schools have been affected by the HFMD outbreak?
HFMD has impacted 31 schools and 178 students and staff members in Shelby County, Tennessee.
What are the common symptoms of HFMD?
Symptoms of HFMD typically appear 3 to 6 days after infection and can include fever, sore throat, small red spots or blisters inside the mouth, on hands, feet, or buttocks, and loss of appetite.
How does HFMD spread?
HFMD spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, or blister fluid, and fecal-oral transmission from contaminated surfaces.
What preventive measures should be taken?
Health officials recommend encouraging frequent handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting shared surfaces daily, teaching children to cover coughs and sneezes, and avoiding sharing personal items.
Key Features of the HFMD Outbreak
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Affected Schools | 31 schools |
| Total Affected Individuals | 178 students and staff members |
| Duration of Illness | 7 to 10 days |
| Time to Show Symptoms | 3 to 6 days after infection |
| Common Symptoms | Fever, sore throat, small blisters |
| Transmission Methods | Respiratory droplets, direct contact, fecal-oral |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease at Sherwood Elementary
Investigation Underway for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease at Sherwood Elementary
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Confirmed at Sherwood Elementary
Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Local Memphis
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Wikipedia: Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
- Google Search: Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease outbreak
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
