8 Nutmeg Avenue

Derby, Connecticut 06418

(203) 736-5032 (203) 736-5056 fax
www.derbyps.org / @DerbyRedRaider

Martin J. Pascale, Jr.

Principal

Rachael Artaiz
Assistant Principal

September 19, 2016

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On September 19, 2016 several cases of the coxsackie virus were reported to school
officials at Derby High School. As a safety precaution, Derby High School will be
thoroughly cleaned and disinfected by the facilities management team. In addition, parents
are encouraged to check your child/children for signs of a blister rash on the palms of their
hands, soles of their feet and inside their mouths. Symptoms may also include a fever.
Included in this letter is a fact sheet from the Connecticut Department of Public
Health which further explains the coxsackie virus.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at Derby High School.

Sincerely,

Martin Pascale
Martin Pascale
Principal
Derby High School
MISSION STATEMENT
Derby High School pursues Academic achievement, promotes creative and critical thinking, expects
appropriate Behavior and fosters responsible Citizenship.
The ABCs of DHS

Martin J. Pascale, Jr.

Principal

8 Nutmeg Avenue
Derby, Connecticut 06418
(203) 736-5032 (203) 736-5056 fax
www.derbyps.org / @DerbyRedRaider

Rachael Artaiz
Assistant Principal

Coxsackie Virus - Fact Sheet

What is coxsackie virus?
It is an infection caused by the virus Coxsackie. It is also known as hand, foot, and
mouth disease.
How is the virus spread?
Coxsackie viruses are spread through close personal contact. This can occur when there
is direct contact with nose, throat, and fecal discharges of infected persons.
Who gets coxsackie virus?
Anyone can be infected, but the disease seems to occur predominately in children under
ten years of age.
When can a person spread the virus to to others?
A person may spread the virus to to others just prior to the onset of symptoms, during
the acute stage of illness and perhaps longer, since this virus may persist in the stool for
several weeks. The incubation period is usually 3-5 days.
What are the symptoms and when do they appear?
Symptoms develop three to five days after exposure. Most children will complain of a
sore throat or sore mouth and loss of appetite. Fever of 101-102 lasts 1-2 days and is
usually accompanied by sores in the mouth. Sores can also occur on the hands and feet
and occasionally on the buttocks. The illness is mild and lasts one week or less.
What is the treatment?
At this time, there is no specific treatment.
What can be done to prevent the spread of this disease?
Particular attention should be paid to hand washing and personal hygiene.
This fact sheet is for informational purposes only. It should not be used for selfdiagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you think that
you may have this infection, or have questions about the disease described above, you
should consult your health care provider.
For additional information on this disease, visit the Centers or Disease Control and
Prevention website.

To contact the Epidemiology and Emerging Infections Program, please call 860-509-7994.
Source: Ct. Dept. of Public Health http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3136&q=388270
MISSION STATEMENT
Derby High School pursues Academic achievement, promotes creative and critical thinking, expects
appropriate Behavior and fosters responsible Citizenship.
The ABCs of DHS