complaint·August 17, 2023

This department considers a situation as an outbreak when two or more children from different homes become ill with the same symptoms within a close time period. During the course of this investigation LPA Lee did not find any evidence that suggested that two or more children that attends this facility became ill with hand foot and mouth disease during the same time period. A child in care (Child#1) did stay home from 08/07/23 until 08/09/23 with symptoms according to the Licensee. During the inspection conducted today, Licensee stated that there were no other children observed with similar symptoms since Child#1 parent notified the Licensee on 08/06/23. LPA Lee conducted an interview with an assistant that works in the family child care home. The interview did not provide any additional evidence that supported or went against the allegations. While it is possible that conditions or protocols in this family child care home did contribute to a disease like hand foot and mouth spreading from one child to another, it is also possible that a child in care became ill while not being present at the facility and did not spread the illness to other children. The Licensee was advised to modify the current admission agreement provided to parents to include protocols on what parents need to do before a child who was ill can return. For example, a Licensee can require children with symptoms to go to a physician to get an official diagnosis and clearance to return back to the facility. The Licensee was also advised to change children in an appropriate and sanitary area of the home and to make sure that area is sanitized properly after each change. T his department has investigated the allegation that facility is unsanitary and facility has an outbreak of hand foot and mouth disease . Although the allegations may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is Unsubstantiated at this time. The notice of site inspection must remain posted for 30 days during hours of operation. Failure to maintain posting will result in a civil penalty of $100.00 dollars. Exit interview conducted with Licensee. Appeal rights discussed and explained.