30+ Schools/Daycares In Shelby County With Confirmed Cases Of Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease

Image Credit: Rajeshodayanchal / CC

The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) has confirmed that an outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is now impacting multiple schools and childcare centers across the county.

SCHD states that the first cases were initially identified in August, but the department was not officially notified until early September. It was first thought to be confined to one elementary school, but now officials say 31 schools and 3 childcare centers have been affected. In total, 178 students and staff members have confirmed cases of HFMD.

Health officials have been working closely with schools and daycares to track the outbreak, support infection control efforts, and limit the disease’s spread.

HFMD is a common viral illness typically affecting children under five. However, this year’s outbreak has raised concern due to a noticeable increase in school-aged children contracting the virus.

“Somewhat alarming is that you usually see it in daycare centers, smaller, the younger population, and now we’re seeing that in elementary and first graders,” said Dr. Bruce Randolph, Director and Health Officer at SCHD. “This is high for school-age children.”

Dr. Randolph speculated that pandemic-era isolation may have contributed to the surge, as many children may not have developed immunity due to reduced exposure to common childhood viruses during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Symptoms of HFMD usually appear 3–6 days after exposure and can include:

• Fever, sore throat, and general discomfort
• Painful red spots or blisters inside the mouth, on hands, feet, or buttocks
• Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite

The illness typically lasts 7–10 days but is highly contagious. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, contact with bodily fluids, and fecal-oral transmission, making schools and childcare centers particularly vulnerable.

In response to the outbreak, MSCS has rolled out heightened sanitation measures across all schools:

• Frequent disinfection of high-touch areas such as doorknobs, desks, and cafeteria tables
• Professional cleaning of classroom rugs and sanitization of soft toys
• Increased visibility of custodial staff during school hours
• Mandatory 20-second handwashing after restroom use, before meals, and following recess

Health officials continue to urge parents, caregivers, and school staff to remain vigilant.

“It’s a problem. It has increased from one school to now 31 schools,” said Dr. Randolph. “We’re asking parents: if your child has symptoms, please keep them at home.”