Hand, foot and mouth disease confirmed at primary school in Poulton

Carleton Green Community Primary School has informed parents about a case of hand, foot and mouth disease in its classrooms.

The disease is a common infection that causes mouth ulcers, as well as spots and blisters on the hands and feet.

It is easily passed on to other people and can spread in coughs, sneezes, poo and the fluid in the blisters.

The illness mainly affects children and has nothing to do with the foot and mouth disease that affects farm animals.

“We have had a case of hand, foot and mouth reported to us,” said the school in a message to parents, who were advised to check the NHS website for symptoms.

The primary school in Arundel Drive, Carleton – which has around 300 pupils - has not said whether it is dealing with an isolated incident or an outbreak.

Carleton Green’s headteacher, Mrs McGrath, was approached for comment.

Advice from Lancashire’s director of public health

Parents should not be alarmed if there is an outbreak in their child's school or nursery, says Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health for Lancashire County Council.

He said: "The county council has recently provided guidance to education settings to raise awareness of hand, foot and mouth disease, a common childhood illness that can also affect adults.

"It is usually a mild illness that causes blisters on the hands and feet, and mouth ulcers. Those affected may have a sore mouth and develop a high temperature.

"Symptoms usually start 3 to 5 days after contact with someone with the virus and these symptoms last for between 7 to 10 days.

"The virus is spread by coughs and sneezes and is also found in the faeces of infected children and direct contact with blisters.

"Attention must always be paid to hand washing after using the toilet and anyone who has developed blisters should avoid sharing towels with other people.

"The NHS recommends that you keep children off school or nursery while they're feeling unwell.

"Bu children may return to school or nursery when they feel well enough as keeping children off for longer is unlikely to stop the virus spreading.

"Visit the NHS website for more information."

How to treat the disease yourself

You cannot take antibiotics or medicines to cure hand, foot and mouth disease. It usually gets better on its own in 7 to 10 days.

But to help the symptoms, you can:

- drink fluids to prevent dehydration – avoid acidic drinks, such as fruit juice

- eat soft foods like yoghurt – avoid hot and spicy foods

- take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease a sore mouth or throat

A pharmacist can also help with hand, foot and mouth disease.

Speak to a pharmacist for advice about treatments, such as mouth ulcer gels, sprays and mouthwashes, to relieve pain.

They can tell you which ones are suitable for children.