09/15/2026
September 15, 2026
Important Health Notice: Impetigo and Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease at LOTUS
We have been informed of the possibility of cases of both Impetigo and Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease (HFMD) at Lotus. Please note that we have ONE formally diagnosed case of Impetigo at this time and other informal notification of potential cases without medical documentation.
As both illnesses can spread easily among children, we are taking precautionary steps to help reduce the potential for spread, including the actions outlined below.
Please monitor your child for symptoms and keep them home if they are ill. If you think your child may have either condition, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment. If your child is diagnosed with impetigo, HFMD, or another contagious illness, please notify the school nurse as soon as possible. The school does not automatically receive diagnosis information from healthcare providers, so we rely on families to keep us informed. This allows us to monitor illness patterns, provide appropriate support, and take steps to reduce the potential for spread.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection. It can spread when a person touches infected sores or drainage and then touches another person or shared surfaces.
Common symptoms may include:
Red, itchy sores around the nose, lips, mouth, hands, or forearms
Sores that may blister, ooze, burst, and develop a yellow, gold, or brown crust
Weeping or draining lesions
Return to school: A child with impetigo may return 24 hours after starting oral or topical antibiotics and when all blisters or sores can be covered. If sores cannot be covered, the child should remain home until the lesions have dried and scabbed.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
HFMD is caused by viruses and spreads through close contact, respiratory droplets, blister fluid, stool, and contaminated hands or surfaces. It is especially common in young children.
Common symptoms may include:
Fever or flu-like symptoms
Mouth sores
Skin rash or blisters, especially on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
Return to school: A child with HFMD may return when they are feeling well, have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, and are not having problems with drooling or swallowing.
WHAT WE ARE DOING
Frequent handwashing and good hygiene practices with students.
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched and shared surfaces.
Monitoring for signs of illness during the school day.
WHAT FAMILIES CAN DO
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching or scratching sores, blisters, or rashes.
Keep cuts, scrapes, sores, and blisters clean and covered when possible.
Do not share towels, clothing, utensils, drinks, or other personal items.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched and shared surfaces and items.
Keep your child home if they are not feeling well or have symptoms that could spread illness to others.
Our School Health Offices will continue to monitor reported cases and communicate with families when appropriate. Please contact the school nurse if your child is diagnosed with impetigo, HFMD, or any other contagious disease, or if you have questions about when your child may return to school.
Thank you for helping us reduce the spread of illness in our school community.
With commitment to our students and families,
Heather Friziellie, your Superintendent of Schools
