Question
With the recent outbreak of infectious diseases, should children infected with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease be allowed to go to school?
Answer
Children with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease should avoid attending school or participating in group activities until their rash blisters have dried to prevent the spread of the disease. If the causative agent is Enterovirus 71, children should be isolated at home for a longer period until two weeks after the blisters have dried before going out. Generally speaking, even mild cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease may be contagious during the acute phase, so it is recommended that they rest at home for about ten days.