In 2023, cases of the highly contagious virus known as hand, foot, and mouth disease have spread across Wisconsin and the rest of the United States. In response, we will be updating our policies to best match the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, and send you the most pertinent information.
What is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease is highly contagious viral infection that commonly affects kids ages 5 and under;” however, the Coxsackievirus, most commonly responsible for hand, foot, and mouth can infect people of any age. Please, look for the following symtoms:
- Fever
- Mouth sores
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Loss of Appetite
- Sores on hands and feet
How does Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease spread?
The disease is commonly spread by sharing of bodily fluids including saliva, mucus, liquid from blisters, and physical contact with someone who has been infected.
What is Elkhorn Martial Arts Center doing to protect students?
We are continuing the social distancing and hand sanitation practices that we started during the covid pandemic, including additional spraying of the disinfectant solution we have been using since we reopened the school. Additionally we are reminding all of our students that our zoom classes are available for training if you are exposed to someone who was infected, if you suspect you were exposed, or have contracted to disease. If you are unable to attend class, we would MUCH rather have you make up classes after you are better than come to class sick!
The CDC guideline for return to activities is that Infected persons stay quarantined for 3-6 days after infection. We are asking that anyone who is past this period, but still shows symptoms, to provide us a doctors note stating that they are clear to return to activities.
What can I do?
Coxsackievirus is spread by close contact, so the prevention steps come down to good hygiene:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Don’t share water bottles, or training gear like sparring equipment
- If you notice a rash or blisters, avoid touching them!
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- If you must put your fingers in your mouth for some reason, throughly wash and sanitize your hands after doing so.
- If you are sick, Stay Home!
Remember that it is possible to contract and pass the virus without showing symptoms, so it’s best to maintain distance, and wash/sanitize your hands and gear regularly
As we have said many times before: Proper mat etiquette involves keeping ourselves and our training partners safe. That includes taking steps to protect our fellow students from sickness, even if the threat of illness is not as obvious as an armbar or takedown.
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