Wayne County Elementary School Closes Due To Viral Outbreak

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI — A Dearborn Heights elementary school is closed Wednesday due to a severe spike in hand, foot and mouth cases, the district said in a letter to parents.

The district said there are at least 20 reported cases of the disease among students at Pardee Elementary School. District officials canceled classes Wednesday "due to an abundance of caution."

Crews will also clean and sanitize classrooms and other areas throughout the building Wednesday. School officials hope to reopen Thursday.

There are roughly 370 students at Pardee Elementary.

"Because Hand-Foot-and-Mouth disease is highly contagious, we are taking this proactive measure to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff," the district said in the letter.

Hand, foot and mouth symptoms are similar to a common cold with a rash. The rash appears as blisters or ulcers in the mouth, on the inner cheeks, gums, sides of the tongue and as bumps or blisters on the hands, feet and sometimes other parts of the skin. The skin rash may last for 7 to 10 days.

The symptoms can occur one to two days before the onset of painful sores in the mouth and a red rash, which can develop into blisters or ulcers on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Young children are primarily affected, but it may be seen in adults. Most cases occur in the summer and early fall. Outbreaks may occur among groups of children especially in child care centers or nursery schools. Symptoms usually appear 3 to 5 days after exposure.