Fulton County Board of Health wants to encourage parents to be alert:

With the school year in full swing, The Fulton County Board of Health wants to warn parents to be alert as more cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease are popping up among students. The disease spreads easily from person to person and it can spread quickly at day care facilities and schools.

“This time of year can be pretty rough for parents as the disease is spreading so quickly among children. We want to give them some tips to help them keep their children and families safe from it,” says Fulton County Board of Health’s Chief Epidemiologist Sasha Smith.

Here are a few tips to help keep you and your family safe from the disease:

• Frequent handwashing
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and toys
• Have children avoid close contact with others when sick

If your child does get the disease, make sure to keep them at home so they don’t spread it to others. Symptoms can include fever, sore throat, and rash or blisters on their hands and feet, and/or painful sores in their mouth. The disease is usually not serious, but it is very contagious. Most people get better on their own in 7-10 days, but be sure to consult your healthcare provider for more specific information.

If you have any questions or concerns about hand, foot, and mouth disease in Fulton County, call the epidemiology department at the Fulton County Board of Health at 770-520-7500 and pick option 7.

For more information on hand, foot, and mouth disease, click here: About Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease | Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) | CDC