WINNEMUCCA — Three confirmed cases and two suspected cases of hand, foot and mouth disease have been reported at Sonoma Heights Elementary School since Friday (Sept. 23).

According to Superintendent Mike Bumgartner, the district has consulted with the Nevada Department of Health and the Nevada Department of Education.  As a result of the consultation, the district took actions to minimize chances of spreading the disease at the school.

Beginning Monday (Sept. 26) extra custodial help was provided at SHES.  All surfaces in each classroom and hallway that students commonly come into contact with were sterilized – to include desk tops, doors, door knobs and door handles, computer keyboards, etc.

This procedure will continue at least through Friday.  At that  time, Bumgartner said, the district will assess the need to continue with enhanced cleaning.

Bumgartner said two of the children were from the same family, but were in different classrooms. Otherwise, the cases were independent of each other.

The Nevada Health Department indicated to the district there was no need to close the school.

HFMD is similar to the flu virus in that symptom begin with a fever, a vague feeling of not being well, and usually with a sore throat.  About two days after the onset of the fever the child will develop sores in the mouth.

People can reduce their chances of becoming infected with this (and all viruses) with good hygiene -- to include frequent and correct hand washing.

For more information on HFMD visit: Center for Disease Control: Hand, foot and mouth disease

Below is the letter provided to parents.

Dear Parents and Guardians of Sonoma Heights School,
We have recently had cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease here at Sonoma. This is a contagious virus that is characterized by fever and blister-like eruptions in the mouth and/or a skin rash. Please do not confuse this with foot-and-mouth (also called hoof-and-mouth) disease, a disease of cattle, sheep, and swine. The two diseases are not related, they are caused by different viruses. Humans do not get the animal disease. 

The disease usually begins with a fever, poor appetite, malaise (feeling vaguely unwell), and often with a sore throat. After a few days, painful sores usually develop in the mouth. The sores are usually located on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks.

A non-itchy skin rash develops over 1–2 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.

Infection is spread from person to person by direct contact with infectious virus. Infectious virus is found in the nose and throat secretions, saliva, blister fluid, and stool of infected persons. The virus is most often spread by persons with unwashed, virus-contaminated hands and by contact with virus-contaminated surfaces.

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.  DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN TO CHILDREN.  Prevent dehydration by giving your child plenty of fluids.

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

If your child should develop any of the above mentioned symptoms, contact your local doctor.

Marian Tyree, R.N.,

Administrative Nurse

Humboldt County School District           
Health Services