Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Report: Lodi Unified Schools
Lodi Unified Schools Outbreak Details
Steve Mann's "About Town" Substack recently highlighted a significant outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) affecting Lodi Unified Schools. Reports indicate a cluster of cases—identified in some contexts as upwards of 41 cases since the start of the school year in August 2025 [7].
The outbreak is part of a larger seasonal surge of the virus across Northern California and the Inland Empire in late 2025 [12][17]. Mann's reporting underscores the high contagiousness of the virus in school settings, where shared surfaces and close contact facilitate rapid spread.
Understanding Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
What is it?
HFMD is a common, highly contagious viral infection usually caused by the Coxsackievirus (specifically A16). It primarily affects children under 5, but can infect older children and adults [24][36].
Symptoms
- Fever and sore throat (often the first signs).
- Painful sores in the mouth (herpangina).
- Rash on the hands and feet (often flat red spots or blisters), and sometimes on the buttocks [24].
How is it contracted?
The virus spreads through person-to-person contact with:
- Saliva/Droplets: Coughing, sneezing, or drooling.
- Fluid from blisters: Touching the rash/sores.
- Fecal matter: Diapers or bathroom surfaces.
- Contaminated surfaces: Doorknobs, toys, and desks where the virus can live for days [12][24].
Cures, Preventions, and Advice for Parents
Cures
There is no specific medical cure or vaccine for HFMD. It is viral, so antibiotics do not work. The illness typically resolves on its own in 7–10 days. Treatment focuses on comfort:
- Hydration: Crucial to prevent dehydration, especially if mouth sores make swallowing painful.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (avoid aspirin for children).
- Soothing Foods: Cold treats like popsicles or ice cream can numb mouth pain; avoid acidic or spicy foods [24].
Preventions
- Strict Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers. Hand sanitizer is less effective against this specific virus than soap.
- Disinfect: Clean common surfaces and toys with bleach-based solutions or EPA-registered disinfectants.
- Isolation: Keep infected children home from school until they are fever-free for 24 hours and mouth sores have healed [12][36].
What Parents Should Do
- Monitor: Check children for low-grade fevers or reluctance to eat/drink (a sign of mouth sores).
- Report: Notify your school immediately if your child is diagnosed to help track the outbreak.
- Keep Home: Do not send a child to school if they are drooling from mouth sores or have weeping blisters [24].
Other Affected California Districts (Late 2025)
Lodi is not alone in this surge. Other districts and regions reporting recent spikes in late 2025 include:
| Location | Date Reported | Details | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indio, CA | October 2025 | Significant outbreak at Desert Preschool Academy with accusations of cover-up | [10] |
| Northern California | October/November 2025 | Health officials issued warnings for school districts due to higher-than-average seasonal spike | [17] |
| Inland Empire | Late 2025 | Parallel rise in cases consistent with outbreaks in Lodi | [12] |
| Lodi Unified | August - November 2025 | 41+ cases reported since start of school year | [7] |
Nationally, the Mid-Atlantic region (Virginia, Washington D.C.) also reported record-high emergency room visits for HFMD in late 2025, suggesting a virulent strain is circulating nationwide [14][16].