Advice ASAP HFM!

[Josiegirl]

One of my little dcbabies was diagnosed with a case of HFM this afternoon. Poor little thing just has not been herself the past few days.
Dcm is keeping her home tomorrow but her sibling is coming anyways. Problem is the baby has been contagious all this time and we had no clue; my new dcm and 3 mo came by Tuesday for a visit. Plus we're supposed to have an Ice cream Social tomorrow afternoon, all parents(including the 3 mo's family) have been invited.
Should I call new dcf and let them know so they don't come, not knowing if anyone else is coming down with it? Should I cancel the ice cream event? Do I inform all dcps that 1 of the dcks has it? Do I have to notify the health dept. or licensing if just 1 child has it or only if there is an outbreak with multiple children?

I've never ever had to deal with HFM before.

[Blackcat31]

One of my little dcbabies was diagnosed with a case of HFM this afternoon. Poor little thing just has not been herself the past few days.
Dcm is keeping her home tomorrow but her sibling is coming anyways. Problem is the baby has been contagious all this time and we had no clue; my new dcm and 3 mo came by Tuesday for a visit. Plus we're supposed to have an Ice cream Social tomorrow afternoon, all parents(including the 3 mo's family) have been invited.
Should I call new dcf and let them know so they don't come, not knowing if anyone else is coming down with it? Should I cancel the ice cream event? Do I inform all dcps that 1 of the dcks has it? Do I have to notify the health dept. or licensing if just 1 child has it or only if there is an outbreak with multiple children?

I've never ever had to deal with HFM before.

We arent required to notify the health dept for HFM but I would definitely let the family of the 3 month know just as a head's up.

I personally wouldn't cancel the ice cream social as HFM can bee carried by anyone (even those with out symptoms) for weeks so excluding anyone that is actually sick is really the only thing you can do.

Here is an informational sheet about HFM that my state provides. The first link is informational for the provider and the second link is for giving to parents.

http://www.hennepin.us/-/media/hennepinus/residents/health-medical/infectious-diseases-fact-sheets/hand-foot-mouth-disease-provider.pdf?la=en

http://www.hennepin.us/-/media/hennepinus/residents/health-medical/infectious-diseases-fact-sheets/hfmd-parent.pdf?la=en

[Josiegirl]

Thanks so much BC! Should I let all the other dcps know, just in case?
Will definitely let the new baby's mom know, although she starts Monday and anyone else that attends my dc, could be contagious at this point.

[Blackcat31]

Thanks so much BC! Should I let all the other dcps know, just in case?
Will definitely let the new baby's mom know, although she starts Monday and anyone else that attends my dc, could be contagious at this point.

I always let other parents know of anything contagious their child was exposed to. I never tell them what to do about it just that I want them to know.

I think it's just best practice.

[flying_babyb]

I always let other parents know of anything contagious their child was exposed to. I never tell them what to do about it just that I want them to know.

I think it's just best practice.

yes!! I agree! we usually post a note that says:
On 8/10 we had a diagnosed case of ---insert illness here- Symptoms are- insert symptoms here-- Please keep a eye on your children for these symptoms. Thank
DCP

[Josiegirl]

So I texted and emailed all the dcps. New infant's mom said they'll skip the ice cream party but everyone else guardedly said okay, they'll bring their kids to dc anyways and hope for the best.
Poor little dcg that has it though, her mom said she feels terrible, won't eat or drink anything, not even popsicles and will only sleep if mom's holding her, crying constantly. I know I'm not her mom but dang, my heart hurts for this precious little 11 mo that has no clue why she feels so crappy.
Another dcm that I contacted said her 2 dds had it a couple years ago and she described it as having chicken pox on steroids. That's exactly what this little girl's case is like.
I hope she gets better soon.

[Ariana]

That is the thing about almost all of these illnesses, they are most contagious when the kid is exhbiting zero symptoms!

I do the same, give a heads up and wash my hands of it....literally