WINNEMUCCA — The Humboldt County School District reported additional cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) this morning at French Ford Middle School.

According to Assistant Superintendent Dave Jensen, two more cases were reported bringing to a total three cases at the middle schol.  He added the district was increasing cleaning protocols to include disinfecting surfaces that may carry the problem each evening.

Jensen commented, "We will be aggressive in stemming the number of cases."

He asked parents to review good hand-washing techniques with their children.  Additionally, the district has released the potential symptoms of HFMD (listed below), which they ask parents to familiarize themselves with and to keep an out for potential symptoms.

Jensen said parents with questions are encouraged to contact District Nurse Marian Tyree or their family physician.

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An isolated case of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) was reported at French Ford Middle School last week. The report follows previous cases at Sonoma Heights Elementary School and Winnemucca Grammar School, which were addressed with no further cases reported.

Assistant Superintendent Dave Jensen said as a precautionary measure custodial staff have been instructed to increase sanitation of surfaces in which students may come in contact.  Additionally, sanitized wipes and anti-bacterial lotions have been brought to the school.

Practicing good hygiene, especially frequent hand washing, is always a good idea since it can help prevent  the spread of many infections.

According to the CDC, the illness usually begins with a fever, poor appetite, general feeling of being unwell, and often with a sore throat.  After a few days, painful sores usually develop in the mouth.  Sores are usually located on the tongue, gums and insides of cheeks.

A non-itchy skin rash develops over the course of a couple of days. The rash has flat or raised red spots, sometimes with blisters.  The rash is usually located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet; it may also appear on the buttocks and/or genitalia.

There is no specific treatment for HFMD. Symptoms can be treated to provide relief from pain from mouth sores and from fever and aches.

Pain and fever can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but parents are cautioned against giving aspirin to children.

Children should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

If children begin to exhibit the above-listed symptoms, parents are encouraged to contact their family physician.