 Friday, August 15, 2025
Your questions answered:
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
 As young children come together, it is important for families to be informed about common contagious illnesses such as Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). HFMD is a common illness that usually causes fever, mouth sores, and a skin rash. It spreads quickly in childcare centers, but most people recover without medical intervention within 7 to 10 days.
What are the symptoms? Most children experience mild symptoms lasting 7 to 10 days.
These can include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Painful mouth sores that can blister
- Rashes often found on the hands and feet
Complications from HFMD are rare.
How do you treat HFMD? HFMD is usually not severe, and most people recover without medical intervention in just over a week. You can take measures to alleviate symptoms while your child isn’t feeling well.
How does it spread? HFMD is caused by viruses. An infected person is contagious, meaning the virus can easily be transmitted to others.
HFMD can spread through contact with:
- Respiratory droplets released when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks.
- Contaminated objects and surfaces
- Fluid from blisters
- Poop
Who is at risk? HFMD primarily affects infants and children under 5 years old. If you are pregnant and believe you've been exposed to HFMD, consult your healthcare provider, as your medical history and stage of pregnancy may influence your situation.
When is it safe to return to school? Since HFMD is generally mild, children can return to daycare and school when they:
- Do not have a fever
- Are feeling well enough to participate in class
- Are not experiencing uncontrolled drooling due to mouth sores
If you’re uncertain about when your child can go back, consult their healthcare provider. Local health departments may also have guidelines requiring children with HFMD to stay home to manage outbreaks.
How can you prevent HFMD?
HFMD is contagious. To help prevent catching or spreading HFMD:
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Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the restroom, or after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
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Help children with washing their hands and keeping blisters clean.
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Avoid touching your face using unwashed hands, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.
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Avoid close contact with an infected person, such as hugging or kissing them
There is no vaccine in the United States to protect against the viruses that cause HFMD.
Is there an uptick in cases?
There has been an increase in cases of HFMD in different regions of the U.S., particularly as children are back in school and daycare environments. However, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness does not monitor the number of children who get HFMD.
The Louisville Metro Reportable Disease Form was created to simplify the reporting requirement for ECEs outlined in 902 KAR 2:090. Please use this link to notify us of any Reportable Communicable Disease at your childcare center within 24 hours from the time of discovery. Someone from our department may reach out for further information depending on the severity/scope once the submission is received.
Families can 'enjoy some quiet time' at the state fair
 For the 34th year, Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW)’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is teaming up with Baptist Health to sponsor the Rock 'n' Relax at the Kentucky State Fair. The fair is in full swing until Aug. 24.
Rock 'n' Relax is a quiet, comfortable place where moms can breastfeed or pump, and families can change their little ones’ diapers from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The private area includes rocking chairs, changing tables, free wipes, and diapers in various sizes.
“Rock 'n' Relax provides a space for mothers and children to enjoy some quiet time during their visit to the state fair," said WIC Nutrition and Lactation Program Manager Summer Scott. "The room serves as a valuable opportunity for mothers to gain information about the advantages of our WIC program."
The Rock 'n' Relax room can be found in section C111 in the lobby area of the South Wing at the fairgrounds.
Free webinar highlights self-care tools
to prevent burnout, compassion fatigue
 You're invited to attend a free, virtual workshop, "Effective Self-Care Tools to Prevent Burnout and Compassion Fatigue" at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
NAMI Louisville's Executive Director Nancy Brooks will lead the session, exploring how burnout and compassion fatigue can impact our lives. The workshop will provide strategies for self-care aimed at enhancing resilience and preventing negative effects on mental well-being.
To register, please email Jackie Love at Jackie.love@louisvilleky.gov.
Gather your family and friends for a fun, free festival
 Join in the fun with Seven Counties Services (SCS), in collaboration with the Jefferson County Regional Interagency Council (RIAC) will host a Family Festival from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 25 at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center, 3029 West Muhammad Ali Blvd.
The free event will feature various activities, including games, a bouncy house, free haircuts, free food and other giveaways.
To register for this event, please scan the QR code to RSVP.
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