Ironwood school proactive in response to virus

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Ironwood — Parents of students in the Ironwood Area School District recently received a letter from the district regarding several cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease that have occurred in the school — a step, district officials say is a proactive response designed to limit the spread of the virus.

“It’s not an epidemic. We have a few kids that are out and we took a preventative step to just inform parents,” said Ironwood K-12 Principal Denise Woodward, adding the district could likely send a similar note home if there was a bout of the flu.

Superintendent Tim Kolesar agreed, saying it was better to act early to ensure the virus didn’t impact a large segment of the population. He estimated 5 to 10 kids have had the virus.

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a “mild, contagious viral infection, characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet of infected individuals,” according to the letter sent to parents. Barbara Auten, director of the division of public health with the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, said not everyone infected shows symptoms.

“Not everyone gets those symptoms,” Auten said. “Some people, especially adults, may not have any symptoms at all but they can still pass the virus.”

“It’s just really highly contagious and it spreads fast. We just don’t want kids coming here, when they’re infected,” Woodward said.

Kolesar said the virus was brought to the district’s attention last week when the parent of one of the school’s athletes reported her daughter had the virus. Kolesar said the virus appeared to be going through the football team, and is believed to have originated from a younger sibling of one of the players.

“It’s a highly contagious virus, much like the common cold,” said Kolesar. “So now, basically, we are literally wiping everything down. We advise kids, if they have any of these symptoms, to stay home.”

While the virus usually infects children younger than five, Auten said it can infect adults too.

Kolesar said the district’s custodians have been wiping down surfaces nightly.

“We’re trying to do everything we can,” he said.

While the district is taking preventative measures, Kolesar said it might not stop the spread of the virus as it can spread even not showing symptoms.

Woodward said officials at the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department told her Ironwood isn’t alone in dealing with the virus, and it’s being seen throughout the U.P. this year.

Although the virus is relatively contagious, Auten said complications from it are rare.

She encouraged people to wash their hands and take extra precautions if caring for infants.

“It’s not complicated. It’s just a matter of good hygiene — hand washing, don’t share stuff, disinfect where you can — and if people are really concerned, they should see their doctor,” Auten said.

She said anyone experiencing dehydration as the result of an infection should see a doctor. She also warned parents, as with other fevers, not to give children aspirin if they are sick.