Fourth period teachers passed out informational sheets from the district warning parents about a little-known virus called the Coxsackievirus. This disease, also known as Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, is a viral illness, but usually only affects children under the age of five.
People with this virus will start off having flu-like symptoms like fever, poor appetite, or a sore throat, and painful, red sores in the mouth, palms of the hand and soles of the feet develop in one to two days, and can last anywhere from a week to ten days.
“As a precaution, students diagnosed with the virus should stay at home until the symptoms and fever fade,” District Nurse Ms. Nancie Rodriguez said. “I strongly advise that students wash their hands and avoid touching their face.”
Some students throughout the district are experiencing similar symptoms, including a few players on the football team.
“Our players and staff have done a great job dealing with it,” Varsity Football Head Coach Rob Castaneda said. “We’re trying to prevent it from spreading by washing our gear every night after practice, not sharing water and consistently cleaning the locker room.”
However, the outbreak may not be as serious as it seems. The information as to how many students have been affected is unavailable at the time.
“This isn’t a life-threatening situation,” Principal Ms. Mary Jo Fosselman King said. “I think we’re overreacting because not a lot of people are taking the time to educate themselves about it.”
Staff Writer Kim Elkins also contributed to this article.