Rise in Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease Cases
November 7, 2025
DPSCD Staff, Students, and Families,
Over the last several weeks, we have continued to see multiple cases of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) across schools in our District. The Detroit Health Department has confirmed with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) that there has been a significant uptick in HFMD cases this fall across Detroit, Wayne County, Washtenaw County, and other parts of the state.
HFMD is a common viral illness—most often seen in young children—that typically causes fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and a rash on the hands and feet. Most cases are mild and last about 7 to 10 days. There is currently no vaccination for HFMD. While HFMD is very contagious, it is rarely serious. According to the CDC and MDHHS, children may return to school once they are fever-free, feeling well enough to participate, and are not drooling uncontrollably due to mouth sores. Please review the attached Hand Foot Mouth Fact Sheet for more information.
The Detroit Health Department is not currently recommending additional measures beyond reinforcing proper hygiene practices and enhanced cleaning in impacted classrooms; however, we will continue to consistently communicate with the Detroit Health Department to follow their guidance as we monitor cases in the District.
Please help the District stay healthy by encouraging everyone to practice healthy habits to stop the spread of Hand Foot Mouth, Influenza (Flu), COVID and other communicable diseases:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Disinfect commonly touched items and shared surfaces (toys, doorknobs, light switches, tables).
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
- Keep children home when they have a fever or feel unwell.
When District schools have more than one case of HFMD in a classroom then we notify the entire school community and clean classrooms with an electrostatic spray for extra cleaning, which was the strategy used with COVID cleaning.
If you have additional health-related questions, please reach out to your school’s nurse or contact Dr. Denise Cade, District Medical Director, at denise.cade@detroitk12.org or 313-740-4869.
Thank you for your continued vigilance and care in keeping our school communities healthy.
Nikolai P. Vitti, EdD
Superintendent
Detroit Public Schools Community District
