Parents of pupils at a Northampton primary school have been warned of cases of a highly-contagious skin condition.
Boothville Primary School, in Booth Lane North, has had seven cases of hand, foot and mouth, with the first becoming apparent on Wednesday last week.
Symptoms include mouth ulcers, a non-itchy hand and foot rash that can develop into blisters, and cold-like symptoms with a high temperature. It is different from foot and mouth disease, which affects cows and other animals.
Parents who contacted the Chron yesterday were concerned no formal information had been given to parents even though the school knew the outbreak was happening. Some pointed out that in extremely rare circumstances complications of the virus can lead to encephalitis.
Philip Buckle, the headteacher, said: “The outbreak started in our nursery and five of the seven cases have been nursery children.
“When we knew about the first one, we put a notice on the door of the nursery telling parents. We also informed the Health Protection Agency when it became apparent there were several cases, which is the official guidance.
“I’ve now responded to parents’ questions by putting a letter and a link to NHS information on the school website today.
“There’s always more you can do but people were informed to alleviate any concern.”