Hand foot and mouth cases reported in Kent schools

Schools and nurseries in Kent are seeing cases of hand, foot and mouth it has been reported.

Public Health England says several in the county have contacted them for advice.

The highly contagious condition - which mainly affects young children - causes blisters around the mouth, hands and feet.

The organisation, which works to protect and improve the nation's health and wellbeing, has issued advice to families which includes keeping children off school if they are suspected of having the illness until they are better.

A spokesman said: "The infection can cause a sore throat, high temperature and loss of appetite, as well as mouth ulcers and a rash after a few days. The infection normally clears up by itself in seven to 10 days. Keeping hydrated, eating soft foods, and taking age-appropriate doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen will help relieve your child’s symptoms.

“To stop hand, foot and mouth disease from spreading further, practice good hand hygiene and keep your child off school until they get better."

In Herne Bay and Whitstable cases have been reported in nurseries and schools in the area.

Mum Lucy Watts says her three-year-old daughter Ronnie was left covered in “horrendous” blisters and unable to eat for days.

“She had a fever that came from nowhere, with a temperature of 39.9C,” said the 31-year-old from Whitstable. “But she didn’t seem ill as such.

“Her temperature subsided after a few days, so she went back to school for two days. Then on the Saturday she went downhill rapidly.

“On Sunday, she woke up with a rash all over her mouth - her hands, legs and feet were covered in blisters."

Ronnie was taken to Estuary View medical centre to be checked over and her mum says she was back to her normal cheerful self within a few days.

“I’d never seen so many blisters - it’s the most horrendous thing ever. There have been a few cases at her nursery - it seems to be everywhere at the moment" she added.

Herne Bay Infant School is among those to have also reported recent cases of the illness.

Head teacher Bernadette Lax said: “There have been three confirmed cases of hand, foot and mouth disease at Herne Bay Infant School since September.

“Although it is classed as a mild illness, NHS guidance recommends keeping a child at home until they are feeling better to avoid passing it to their classmates, and this is what we would recommend. The school will monitor the number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease but no other action is required at present."

Whitstable Day Nursery has also seen cases of the illness in recent weeks.

A spokesman said: "Our practice is that children should stay off when they are contagious and have spots - otherwise instead of just one child catching it, it can affect lots of children. We get it every year, usually around this time."

More information about the common childhood illness is available on NHS Choices, at www.nhs.uk/conditions/hand-foot-mouth-disease.

If you’re concerned about your child's symptoms, call your GP or NHS 111.