Coxsackie virus found in schools

Three districts recently reported cases of hand, foot and mouth disease

At least three Capital Region school districts have reported cases of Coxsackie virus among students in the past week.

The virus — also known as hand, foot and mouth disease — is very contagious and can cause fever, headache and muscle aches. It is characterized by the development of blister-like rashes on the hands and feet and in the mouth.

In the past week, it has been reported in the Cohoes, Amsterdam and Gloversville school districts.

The Cohoes school district had four confirmed cases at Abram Lansing Elementary School. Each affected student saw their doctor for treatment, and cleaning measures were taken in the classrooms and common areas of the school, the district indicated on its website.

An outbreak also occurred among football players in the Amsterdam school district, prompting Friday’s game with Broadalbin-perth to be canceled. On its website, the district announced it had cleaned and disinfected all school buildings and areas frequently visited by students, including buses, locker rooms and cafeterias.

A game was canceled two weeks earlier between Gloversville and Ballston Spa for the same reason. On Wednesday, the Gloversville school district said it also had confirmed one case of Coxsackie virus at Park Terrace Elementary School.

The infection usually occurs among children under 10, but occasionally can occur in young adults, according to the state Health Department.

It spreads by direct contact with saliva, mucus, blisters and feces, making frequent hand washing important. The only treatment includes measures to keep fever down and hydration up.

Infected children should be kept out of group settings until symptoms disappear.