How can I effectively communicate the contagious nature of HFMD to parents and caregivers to prevent outbreaks in schools or nurseries?

To effectively communicate the contagious nature of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) to parents and caregivers and prevent outbreaks in schools or nurseries, focus on robust hygiene practices and clear information dissemination ².

Key Communication Points and Actions:

• Emphasise Hand Hygiene: Advise parents and caregivers that thorough handwashing with liquid soap and tepid running water, followed by careful drying, is crucial for preventing the spread of HFMD ¹,². Explain that hands should be washed after using the toilet, before eating, and after handling nappies or tissues ¹,².
• Explain Transmission: Communicate that HFMD spreads through unwashed virus-contaminated hands and contact with contaminated surfaces ¹. Highlight that the virus can survive on dry surfaces for several days ¹. It is also important to note that transmission can occur before symptoms appear, and the virus can be shed in faeces for several weeks after clinical recovery, even if the child seems well ¹. Asymptomatic infection is common ¹.
• Advise on Respiratory Hygiene: Encourage covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wiping with disposable tissues, and then washing hands ¹.
• Discourage Sharing: Advise against sharing cups, eating utensils, towels, and clothing ¹.
• Laundry Care: Recommend washing soiled clothes, bedding, and towels on a hot cycle ¹.
• Blister Care: Inform parents that blisters should not be deliberately pierced, as the fluid is infectious ¹.
• School/Nursery Attendance: Clarify that children should not attend nursery, childcare, or school if they are too unwell ¹. However, for infection control purposes, children do not need to be excluded from these settings if they are well, as keeping them off for longer periods is unlikely to stop the virus spreading due to asymptomatic infection and prolonged shedding ¹.
• Specific Advice for Pregnant Women: Advise pregnant women to avoid close contact with any person with HFMD, as, in rare cases, infection in pregnancy can lead to neonatal complications ¹.
• Information Dissemination: Distribute information and advice in childcare settings, prioritising these environments due to the high risk of transmission ². Display information or direct parents and carers to resources about managing symptoms of infection in children and when to seek medical advice ². Share information that supports children's learning about handwashing ².