STEVENSVILLE, Mich. -- The Berrien County Health Department announced it's been notified of several cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease at Stewart Elementary School in Stevensville.

HFMD is considered a common viral illness that typically causes fever, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks.

Health officials say It spreads easily in group settings through contact with respiratory secretions, fluid from blisters, or contaminated surfaces.

To protect the health of students and staff and prevent the spread of HFMD the county health department recommends those diagnosed with HFMD follow these exclusion guidelines:

Exclude from attending school until:

• Fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, AND
• No new lesions have appeared for at least 24 hours, AND
• All blisters/lesions are dried, scabbed, or able to be securely covered before returning to school.
• Can participate in class; AND
• Have no uncontrolled drooling from mouth sores

Officials say these steps should help reduce the spread of HFMD, but they note that mild viral shedding can continue for several weeks.

Careful attention to handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting high-touch surfaces remain the best protection.

If you have questions about HFMD, you may contact the Berrien County Health Department at (269) 926-7121 or your healthcare provider.