Edusky Private School · Parents' Guide · Last reviewed: 2026-10-18
- HFMD causes fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and blisters on the hands and feet.[1]
- It spreads through contact with saliva, nasal discharge, and blister fluid.[1]
- Do not send a symptomatic child to school, preschool, or nursery.[1]
- Wash hands often and clean toys and furniture to stop the spread.[1][1]
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is an infection that mostly affects children under 10.[1] It causes water-filled blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth.[1] The illness is usually mild and the rash heals within 5 to 7 days.[1]
HFMD is caused by a virus from the enterovirus group.[1] It spreads from person to person through direct contact with nasal discharge, saliva, faeces, and blister fluid from infected individuals.[1] Children under 5 are the most easily infected.[1]
According to Malaysia's Ministry of Health, the main signs include:[1]
- Fever[1]
- Sore throat[1]
- Mouth ulcers on the throat, tongue, and inside of the mouth[1]
- A rash with small blisters (3–7 mm) on the hands, wrists, feet, and nappy area[1]
If your child shows any of these signs, do not send them to school, preschool, or nursery.[1] Children should also be kept away from crowded public places such as playgrounds, markets, and public transport while they have signs of infection.[1]
Take your child to a doctor or klinik kesihatan for advice. HFMD is usually not serious, but a small number of cases become dangerous when they affect the nervous system or the heart.[1]
Families are advised to practise thorough hygiene:[1]
- Wash hands with clean water and soap before preparing food, after using the toilet and after changing nappies.[1]
- Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.[1]
- Don't share clothes, towels, eating and drinking utensils, or toys.[1]
- Clean toys, chairs and tables that have your child's saliva on them.[1]
Go to the hospital immediately if your child refuses to eat or drink, has persistent vomiting, or is unusually drowsy.[1]
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you're worried about your child, speak to a doctor or a klinik kesihatan.
Fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and a rash with small blisters on the hands, feet, and nappy area.[1] The rash usually heals within 5 to 7 days.[1]
It spreads through direct contact with nasal discharge, saliva, faeces, and blister fluid from infected individuals.[1] Children under 5 are the most easily infected.[1]
Do not send a child with HFMD symptoms to school, preschool, or nursery.[1] If you're not sure when your child can go back, ask the doctor who saw them.
Sources last verified: 2026-10-18
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you're worried about your child, speak to a doctor or a klinik kesihatan.
Fill half the lunchbox with vegetables and fruit, one quarter with grains, and one quarter with protein.
Children should do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.
About Edusky: a KPM-registered private primary school (SMIPS JDA1001) in Taman Adda Height, Johor Bahru. Standard 1 to 6 on Malaysia's national curriculum, in classes of about 15, with after-school care until 6pm on weekdays.
WhatsApp us to arrange a visit