September 19th, 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you that we have experienced multiple cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) within our school buildings this school year. The majority of these reported cases have been at Grandview Elementary School, but scattered cases have been seen within our other school buildings as well. While this illness is common in young children and typically mild, we want to ensure all families are aware of the symptoms, prevention strategies, and guidelines for returning to school.
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HFMD is a contagious viral illness most often seen in children under the age of 5, but it can also affect older children and adults. It is spread through close contact such as coughing, sneezing, contact with contaminated surfaces, or contact with an infected person’s stool.
Symptoms
Fever
Sore throat
Reduced appetite
General feeling of being unwell
Painful sores inside the mouth
A skin rash on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes on the buttocks or legs
*Not every child will develop all symptoms, but the combination of mouth sores and rash is a strong indicator.
Guidelines for Returning to School
The CDC advises that children may return to school when they:
No longer have a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine)
Have lesions that are healing
Feel well enough to participate in classroom activities
Since HFMD is most contagious during the first week of illness, keeping your child home until symptoms improve is essential to help protect others. Good handwashing practices, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and avoiding the sharing of cups and utensils are also important prevention steps.
We are working closely with staff to increase cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas throughout affected schools. We ask that families remain vigilant at home and contact your healthcare provider if your child develops concerning symptoms.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school community safe and healthy. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our school nurse, Kelly Gettinger (kgettinger@fayette.k12.in.us), or your school’s office.
Respectfully,
Jeremy Duncan
Superintendent
Fayette County School Corporation