As the weather cools and seasonal illnesses begin to circulate, cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) have recently been reported at DGN. While the illness is commonly found among young children, cases have also been reported among teenagers this fall.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve seen a huge increase,” school nurse Kathy McDonald said. “We see it every fall. Maybe I’ve seen one or two extra cases than normal, but not like a huge amount.”
McDonald mentioned that the first potential case appeared in mid-September. However, the true number of infections is difficult to track, since students aren’t required to report HFMD unless they experience a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
“Parents could call their kid in sick, and we might never know it’s hand, foot, and mouth,” McDonald said. “But out of those who have told us, there have been about two confirmed cases.”
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious viral infection that spreads through contact with saliva, mucus, or contaminated surfaces. Science teacher Kathleen Troyer said that the virus thrives in close-contact environments like schools, where students often share materials and touch common surfaces.
“HFMD spreads through close contact, so schools are a breeding ground for it,” Troyer said. “Many students who were probably infected came to the homecoming dance, which was a large opportunity for it to spread from person to person.”
Troyer also emphasized the scientific side of the infection. It’s an enteroviral infection, starting in the digestive system and spreading throughout the body. Once inside the body, the virus infects the mouth and throat first, then spreads to the skin and sometimes the intestines.
“Hand sanitizer can help, but it’s not the most effective against HFMD,” Troyer said. “Soap and water are the best defense because they physically remove the virus from your skin, which sanitizer doesn’t always do.
Typical symptoms include fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet. Though most people recover within a week, McDonald emphasized that HFMD is extremely contagious, even between those who seem healthy.
“It’s extremely contagious, even more than the common cold,” McDonald said. “You can transmit it even when you don’t have symptoms, and for a month after you’re well, you actually still transmit it through your poop.”
While no special testing is in place, McDonald highlights that good hygiene remains the best way to protect against infection. DGN already follows DuPage County Health Department guidelines, which recommends frequent cleaning and encourages students to wash their hands regularly.
“There really isn’t anything more the school can do,” McDonald said. “Prevention measures are key, washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if you have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.”
Many students have become more aware of HFMD’s spread, especially as it gains attention online and comes up in conversations among students.
“I’ve seen a few people post about it,” junior Priya Gupta said. “It definitely makes me more careful about washing my hands and not sharing stuff with my friends.”
While the number of confirmed cases at DGN remains low, awareness and hygiene are key to preventing further spread. As both McDonald and Troyer said, simple habits can make a major difference.
“It’s up to individuals to follow hand hygiene, cover their sneezes and coughs,” McDonald said. “Just use soap and water.”