that has afflicted some of Bermuda's children.

Several cases of coxsackie virus disease have been found in day care centres and nurseries across the Island and reported to the Health Ministry.

It usually affects the inside of the mouth and the palms of the hands, fingers and soles of the feet. Young children are primarily infected, especially those in day care centres or nursery schools.

The incubation period is three to five days.

A Government spokesman said: "The virus spreads from the faeces of infected persons to the mouth of the next person.

"It is also spread by coughing and sneezing, person to person contact and from saliva on the hands and toys.

"Direct contact with skin blisters can also spread the virus.'' The rash appears as ulcers in the mouth, on the inner cheeks, gums, sides of the tongue, and as bumps or blisters on the hands and feet. And the skin rash can last for seven to ten days.

There is no specific treatment for the virus, and the only way to prevent its spread is to: Wash hands, especially after going to the bathroom, changing diapers and handling diapers.

Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Wash toys and other surfaces that have saliva on them.

The spokesman said: "Children may return to day care centres and nursery schools only if they are not acutely ill, do not have ulcers in the mouth, or if the blisters have crusted and are dried.